Donovan L. Neprash, 80, New England, died Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Western Horizon Health Center, Hettinger. Donovan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England, with Fr. Biju Chitteth as the celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, and military honors provided by the New England American Legion Anton Ulijohn Post 66. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with Deacon Victor Dvorak presiding.
Donovan Lee Neprash was born March 23, 1934 on the family farm in Slope County of North Dakota, the son of Godfrey W. and Marcella (Sinkula) Neprash. He was raised and educated on the family farm near Regent, graduating from Regent High School in 1952. He entered the United States Army and served honorably from March 2, 1955 to February 28, 1958.
Don returned to North Dakota and met the love of his life, Viola Faller, and they were joined in marriage on November 3, 1959, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. They moved to Parshall where he worked for the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and they started their family. The family moved to Dickinson, where Don began working for the Dickinson Police Department, and where he could also go to school. Following his graduation from Dickinson State College they moved to New England where he went to work for American State Bank. He retired from the north Dakota Farm Service in 2000.
He was a fisherman, hunter and loved to travel with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, with open arms and a loving heart. He was a great teacher in life and will be missed dearly.
Don is survived by his wife, Viola; three children, Kathleen (Byron) Richard, Belfield, William (Jill) Neprash, New England, and Daniel (Kim) Neprash, Watford City; six grandchildren, Brandon (Emily) Richard, Michelle Richard, Kristen Neprash, Megan Neprash, Matthew Neprash, and Michael Neprash; sister-in-law, Sandra Neprash, Dickinson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wally Neprash; and sister, Shirley (Sid) Harlin.
