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Donald Van Liere Obituary
Donald "Don" Lewis Van Liere, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, due to complications with heart disease. Don was born on April 22, 1933 in Colton, SD to Ike and Gertie Van Liere. He graduated from Colton High School in 1952, then attended one year of college at SDSU. After college Don worked for his father's company. From 1954-1956, Don served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan.
In 1956, Don married his high school sweetheart, VerDonna "Donna" Emery. Earlier this year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. During those years they raised four children and Donna's brother, Robert "Uncle Bobby" Emery. From 1960-1972, Don was a co-owner of Brookings Livestock Auction. From 1968-1972, he operated the Denver Livestock Auction, and then transitioned to working for Jansma Cattle Company as a livestock broker. This became his true passion. In 1996, Don and his son, Timothy, established Black Hills Cattle Company. His son proudly continues to operate the business.
Don enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman. He particularly loved to fish for walleye in the Missouri River with his brother, sons, nephew, and grandsons. In 2004, Don and his brother, Merle, won the SD Governor's Cup Fishing Tournament. His family looked forward to his annual fish fry every summer.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Gertie, and a brother-in-law, James Edwards. Don is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Victoria (Tim) Sweeney, Todd Van Liere, Timothy Van Liere, Marci (Mark) Bachman, and Robert Emery; siblings, Evelyn Edwards, Raymond (Marilyn), and Merle (Betty); grandchildren, Ryan Sweeney, Mitchell Bachman, Vincent Van Liere, Clayton and Cordell Jordan; daughter-in-law, Rebekkah Van Liere, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Tues., January 3, 2017 at Kirk Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Wed., January 4 at First Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Black Hills Works. An online guestbook may be signed at kirkfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Van Liere
Sponsored by Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
3 Entries
Gary Johnson
January 1, 2017
My sympathy to you, Donna and your family on your loss of Don.
Janine Van Liere Baker
December 31, 2016
Verdonna, Vickie, Todd, Tim, Marci, and families, I am sorry for your loss. Uncle Don was such an ambitious man. My dad cherished the time they spent together fishing. May you find peace during this time of mourning.
Dan Beto
December 31, 2016
Donna and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Van Liere family over your loss.
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5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services1051 E MINNESOTA ST., Rapid City, SD 57701
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