In the early hours of June 11, 2018, the beautiful energy that was Donald N. Franchuk, riddled with multiple medical and age issues, passed peacefully at his home with his soul mate of 60 years by his side. As the sun peaked through the clouds the next morning, it was as if he was showing his bright beautiful smile from Heaven, telling his family he was alright. With a tremendous spirit and passion for life, Don’s passing leaves an emptiness that only his continuing love and happy memories can fill.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 15 at the Bismarck Funeral Home and continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to services. There will be a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. Friday with Deacon Doyle Schulz presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Church of the Ascension with Msgr. James Braaten as celebrant, and assisted by Deacon Bob Stockert. Interment will take place at the ND Veterans Cemetery on Monday, June 18 at 10 am, with Deacon Doyle Schulz presiding and Military Honors provided by the Bismarck VFW Post.
Donald was born in Dickinson, on December 5, 1937, the son of Louis and Mary (Zich) Franchuk. He was raised on the family farm, attended a country school and later he boarded Catholic school in New Hradec. He worked for a veterinarian and later joined the Army, stationed in Rapid City, S.D. He worked doing home improvement just before moving to Dickinson. He started welding and worked in the oil field for 30 years then worked at Electric Sales and Service until his retirement in 2012.
Don met his perfect match, Catherine Jahner and the two were married November 4, 1957. Donald cherished his wife dearly. She bravely stood by his side and supported him through his medical challenges. The two were often times described by the special kind of love they shared. They were each other’s light no matter how dark the day. All those who followed their story are forever inspired.
He was a talented woodworker completing projects that ranged from large to small, especially enjoyed making countless religious items and two rocking elephants for his pride and joy great-grandsons. Donald was very much an outdoorsman and loved the hunt of large game as well as upland game. He loved to fish and teach his grandchildren how to fish. He especially loved hunting and fishing with his son, Michael. Donald never surrendered to hopelessness, always giving inspiration and trusting in God’s ultimate plan. He belonged to the Knight of Columbus, Dickinson Trap Club, and was a Eucharistic Minister for the church. He loved gardening, playing cards, dice games, computer games, and traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine; three children, Renell (Brad) Block, Michael (Deb) Franchuk, and Mary (Gerald) Dukart; five grandchildren, Benjamin and Mikayla Franchuk, Elijah Dukart, Christine (Brandon) Larson, and Mirahya (Matthew) Muniz; two great-grandchildren, Abel David Larson and Emmitt Donald Muniz; four sisters, Irene Roeder, Elsie (Vic) Privratsky, Jane (Leo) Holler, Patricia (Richard) Kulish; three brothers, James (Vi) Franchuk, Louie (Claudette) Franchuk, Kenneth Franchuk; sister-in-law Rachael Franchuk, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Franchuk, one sister, Mary Ann, two brothers John and Charles (Sue), one grandchild, Alex Dukart, and one great-grandchild.
