On June 6th, 2012 we lost our beloved Moose to a valiant battle with cancer. That day we all lost a great man, a loving husband and father, and a very dear friend to all that have ever known or met him.

Donald, better known as Don or Moose; was born October 9th 1945 to Ed and Thelma (Sufficool) Preslicka. The youngest of two sons, Don was raised and educated in Burke, SD. Graduating from Burke High School in 1963.

Don learned the importance of hard work and perseverance early in life. As a young man he unknowingly embarked on his journey to an outstanding career. 2012 marked a 50 year milestone for Don for being "the bee man.'

He started his career in 1962 by going to work for Lyon's Apiaries. Later, in 1980 he made his way to Williston, ND to work for Powers Apiaries. While in Williston he met and on December 22nd, 1986 married Ruby (McGrath) and openly accepted another daughter, Kaylene. Don and Ruby where also blessed with the birth of a daughter, Sara that year.

Also in 1986 Don accepted a position with Bailey Enterprises in Glen Ullin, ND. Don moved his new family to Glen Ullin, ND and settled in.

Don was always the man you knew you could count on. Whether it was at work, or at home or when a friend needed him. Always quick to grab your attention with an intelligent answer or smart witted comment.

Don was dedicated to his work and his family. There were many times he would be hard at work at 2am just so he could have the job done and be on time for his daughters basketball game that evening. Then get back up a few hours later to do it all over again. Never with a complaint or a second thought. Don was a firm believer in getting the job done just because it has to be done, and get it done right, preferably the first time.

Don loved to visit! Whether it was to sit and talk or play cards or spend time with his three grandchildren, anything to enjoy the moment and have some laughs and share some comedy. He was an easily, likeable person for this reason alone he always made friends anywhere he went, even as far away as Texas.

Every Spring and Fall for years he left his family and followed his work to Texas. Springtime in Texas was the time to pack up the bees and send them to ND to go to work. In the Fall he would return to Texas and catch the bees as they came in off the trucks and get them ready to spend the winter down south. There was never a day away from home that Don went without a phone call to home. Like clock work, every morning and every night the phone would ring. Just to make sure everything was ok at home, and to say good morning and he was off to work. At night the call was to make sure the day went good, and that he was in from the field and to tell all his girls to have a good night. Even from 1500 miles away he was still the best father and husband he could be.

Don enjoyed life to the fullest and made the best out of everyday, no matter the day, the weather, or the work ahead. Throughout his life he's had numerous ways to spend his time off. Hunting, fishing, camping, travel, playing cards, golfing, collecting basketball, football and baseball cards, collecting coins and so many other things to numerous to mention.

Don was a big man, with a huge heart of gold, and he touched the hearts and souls of so many. He embedded kindness, strength, and determination into the young minds he met and built strong friendships everywhere he went in life. He will be deeply missed by all who were touched by his essence. Even at the end Don never gave in.

Don was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Francis Preslicka and Erasttus and Ethel Sufficool. His mother and father, Ed and Thelma (Sufficool) Preslicka. a niece and one nephew and many aunts, uncles, and other family.

Don leaves behind a loving wife, Ruby. Two resilient daughters, Kaylene and Sara. Three Grandchildren that were his pride and joy; Dustie, Kaine, and Peyton. A beloved Brother, Dennis and his wife Carol Preslicka. Three nephews; James and Amy Preslicka and their three children, Michael, Andrew and Donna. Dennis McGrath and James Ramsey and his family. Two Sister in-laws and two Brother in-laws. Also, four very close personal friends to the family, Glenn Flaten, Paul Wehri, The Barchenger family, and Jim Bahr and his family.

Also, to all of Moose's friends both close or just by acquaintance we have suffered a great loss but he loved us all and we meant the world to him.

Moose, Don, Donald, husband, Daddy, Papa and Friend. No matter what name you called this great man by we ask that you remember all the good times, great conversations, warm hugs and contagious smiles and laughter. He will forever be in our minds but never far from our hearts.

Lord please bless him and care for him as he cared for so many of us when he was ours. Goodbye Moose, we love you.

Funeral services for Donald "Moose" Preslicka, age 66, of North Dakota and formerly of Burke, SD will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a visitation on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.