Donald “Don” Allen Urlacher, 70, New England, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 6, 2026 at CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson. Donald’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Fr. Dennis Schafer as celebrant. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New England. A lunch will be served at the church following the Mass. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary & Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Victor Dvorak as presider. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.
Don was born on October 2, 1955 in Dickinson to John D. and Eleanor (Hutmacher) Urlacher. He was raised on the family farm alongside his nine siblings, where he learned early the value of hard work—milking cows, caring for chickens, and building the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.
He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1973 and went on to earn a Diesel Mechanic degree from the North Dakota State College of Science. Don returned home to New England, where he began working at Western Implement. It was there that he also built a life with his wife, Diane Nielsen. They were married on January 14, 1977 and shared 49 years together, raising two daughters.
Don worked many years at Western Implement before starting his own business, Urlacher Repair. He later took over the family farm, where he found his greatest joy. Farming wasn’t just his work—it was who he was. He took pride in caring for the land and was grateful to continue doing what he loved up until the very end of his life.
Outside of work, Don enjoyed hunting and fishing—whether it was pheasants, deer, elk, or even rabbits in Diane’s garden. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Whether he was teaching them to fish, playing games, or helping them find a little “trouble,” he brought laughter, patience, and joy to every moment they shared.
Don was known for his kind heart, quick wit, and constant smile. He was always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or simply listen. He never took life too seriously and always had a joke ready. He made people feel seen, valued, and welcome—whether they were family, friends, or strangers.
He was deeply devoted to his family and never missed an activity for his daughters, no matter the distance. As a grandfather, he was playful, proud, and endlessly supportive. He was also a father and grandfather figure to many beyond his own family.
Don was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and has served on the Church Council. He was active in his community throughout his life and enjoyed many activities including boxing (Golden Gloves), softball, pool, bowling, trap shooting and spent many years as a high school football referee. He also served on many boards, such as the Credit Union Board, Southwest Grain Producers Board, Southwest Water Authority Board, and Kunze Township Board. His presence will definitely be missed by his friends at the “old men’s coffee club” at The Hub.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Urlacher; his daughters, Crystal (Travis) Toman and Tiffany (Ryan) Flynn; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Todd, and Morgan Toman; and Deacon and Avery Flynn. He is also survived by his siblings: Dave (Belinda) Urlacher, Diane Stenberg, Jeanne (Bob) Gunderson, Melvin (Kathy) Urlacher, Allan (Amy) Urlacher, Brenda (Brian) Barton, Gregg (Mary) Urlacher, and Loran (Peggy) Urlacher, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Eleanor Urlacher; his parents-in-law, Ernest and Dorothy Nielsen; his brother, Randy Urlacher; and his brother-in-law, Bill Stenberg.
Don’s legacy of hard work, humor, and kindness will live on in all who knew him. He leaves behind a family and community better because he was part of it.
