Watch Don's Funeral Mass

Donovan "Don" Vizenor, age 90, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Don was born on May 21, 1934, in White Earth, MN, to Delmas & Doris (Cogger) Vizenor. He lived his early years on Little Sugar Bush Lake, what is now known as Maplelag Resort. When Don was approximately 11 years old, his family moved to Pine Point Village just north of Ponsford, MN, where he attended both Pine Point School and Park Rapids High School. During his teen years and beyond, Don worked with his dad and Uncle Mitch in the woods/logging business, furnishing firewood to many households. He learned the skills of processing wild rice from his dad, which he in turn taught to his grandson, Brian.

Don met his high school sweetheart, Pauline Boldt, marrying her on September 25, 1954. They had two daughters and a son. During their early years together, Don had a dance band called "Don Vizenor and the Westerners" where they entertained almost every weekend at Ruby's Supper Club by Height of the Land Lake.

Don worked at a Stave Mill near Park Rapids until it burned down. Then in 1962, he began working at the Pine Point School, first as a janitor then after obtaining a boilers license as a Maintenance Engineer. After 15 years he left that job to do carpentry work with his son-in-law. Don was proud of the work he did in the Paul Bunyan Mall of Bemidji, building 13 stores and also an addition on Ruttger's Resort. When work slowed in the lower 48, he traveled to Alaska in 1981 with the company. However, Minnesota called him back and Don returned to do carpentry with his brother, Dallas, remodeling houses for the White Earth Housing Authority. In 1991, a maintenance position opened at the White Earth Indian Health Clinic. Don applied and was accepted. He worked for over five years until his retirement. While there, his skills with small engine repair helped save the clinic many dollars and earned him an award.

During his retirement years, Don repaired lawn mowers. He had a way of explaining how to keep the mowers working which saved many young people several dollars. He finally had to stop this hobby as his health failed.

He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Pauline of Mahnomen; daughters, Sherry Vizenor-Sawicky and Patti (Mike) Vizenor of Mahnomen; son, Chuck (Kristi)  Vizenor of Beaulieu, MN; grandsons: Kyle (Molly) James of Nevada, Brian (Ashley) Buck of Mahnomen, Nick Buck also of Mahnomen, Donovan Vizenor of Florida and Nolan (Taylor) Archer of Fargo, ND; granddaughters: Jana Buck of Mahnomen, Olivia Archer of Detroit Lakes.MN, and Isabella Vizenor of Hankinson, ND;12 great grandchildren; brothers, Delano (Linda) Vizenor of Soldotna, AK and Duane (Kathy) Vizenor of St. Francis, MN; sister, Donna Buckanaga of Ponsford; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Dallas Vizenor; son-in-law, Dean Sawicky; granddaughter, Amanda Archer; great-grandson, Tim Conant.

Blessed be the memory of Donovan Vizenor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 11 am at St. Theodore's Catholic Church, Ponsford, MN.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5-7 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and then continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will be in the St. Theodore's Catholic Cemetery, Ponsford.