Donald Lewis Valent

Don died of a broken heart on June 30, 2025. He was born June 23, 1932 in Fessenden, North Dakota to Ralph and Anna (Wood) Valent.

He graduated from high school in Fessenden and then went on to graduate with a degree in civil engineering from North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo.

Don became the head of the Highway Department for the State of North Dakota. He designed many of their bridges. He received many recognitions and awards during his career.

He entered the U.S. Army in February of 1958. He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in September, 1965 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Don  married Florrine Just on September 13, 1963 in New Salem, North Dakota. They built a great life together. They loved to golf and spent many of their days on the golf course. They enjoyed square dancing and loved to go fishing in Manitoba, Canada every year. On one of these trips, Don won the Manitoba Master Angler award for catching a 19 pound Northern Pike. In their later years, Don and Florrine enjoyed spending winters in Needles, California.

In the fall of 2021 they moved to Laurel, Montana to be close to family. We didn’t think we could get the die hard North Dakotan to move but, Don loved it from day one.

He enjoyed the milder winters, all the birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other celebrations. Don enjoyed sitting on his patio, watching the ducks in the pond. He knew how many ducklings each mom had, he kept track of them, and liked to keep them well fed.

Preceding Don in death and waiting for him in heaven are his parents Ralph and Anna, his wife of 62 years Florrine, brother Jimmy,  sister's Marjory, Sylvia, Audrey, Doris, Maxine and Betty.

Don is survived by his sister Beverly, his brother Richard (Rita), and many nieces and nephews; including Bonnie. He is also survived by his Montana family; nieces Roberta Weninger and Marla Connors, nephew Doug Just, and their families.

We will always miss you Uncle Don, but  are also happy for you that you are once again with Aunt Sis'.  Love you, see you later alligator