Donald E. Bachmann was born on the family Bachmann homestead south of Bonesteel on September 30, 1926. He passed away on April 15, 2013 in the Gregory Hospital.

Don was baptized at an early age in the Hope United Church of Christ in Fairfax, SD. He attended the old Pleasant Valley School through 8th Grade. The family moved to Fairfax, SD where he went to High School. Later when the family moved back to the homestead he attended Bonesteel High School graduating from the class of 1944.

On March 14, 1948 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Ardeth Jons. To this union four daughters were born. Crystal Jean, Linda Kay, Dawn Marie and Jacquelyn Jo (deceased at birth). Don farmed all his life on the family farm with the exception of 6 years when he moved his family to Washington State in 1956. While in Washington Don worked at Boeing Airplane Company and sailed back and forth on the high seas from Anchorage Alaska on the freightliners. Later he worked in construction driving large equipment and helped develop the Seattle/Tacoma freeway.

Tractors and large equipment were the love his life. In 1962 the farming world and his parents called him back to South Dakota to assist his Mom and Dad. Don served on the ASCS County Board, the Township Board, and a Golden Harvest Seed Corn Dealer for years. Don would open many a snow blocked road with his big dozer. Working long hours in the night for friends and neighbors always assisting anyone in need in any given situation including family. One of his hobbies included bowling in which he threw a mean 16 lb. ball and he also enjoyed driving race cars. But his greatest passion was protecting and preserving the land. Don and Ardeth moved to Bonesteel in December of 2009 when his health began to decline. Ardeth drove him to the farm where he loved to look at the crops, his Angus cattle, many tractors and pickups. Farming was his life-long joy.

Don leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Ardeth of 65 years. Three daughters, Crystal and (Kevin) Manthey of Bonesteel, SD. Linda and (Dan) Bruns of Madison, SD. Dawn Holley and friend Chris Clark of Houston, TX. Grandchildren Amy and (Dan) Louwagie of Cottonwood, MN. Donny Bruns of Madison, SD. Jesse Bruns of Madison SD. Kaylynn (Chad) Bruns Cooney of Madison, SD. Step Granddaughter Amanda (John) Heckman of Columbus Grove, OH. Great Grandchildren include Carter, Savanna and Owen Louwagie. John Callies Bruns. Addison and Paisley Cooney. Donovan and Jaret Heckman. Sister Wanda Dickmeyer of Puyallup, WA. Brother-in-law Jim Heifner of Seattle, WA. Sister-in-law Dorothy Bachmann of Butte, NE and many nieces and nephews and brother and sister-in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents Martha and Gottilieb Bachmann, Mother and Father-in-law Lydia and Emil Jons. Baby Daughter Jackie Jo. Sister Velma Heifner and Brother Elmer Bachmann.

Don loved his family and friends and spending time with them. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Calvary Bible Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, rural Bonesteel. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM prayer service, at the church.