Donald Leroy "Don" Kjosen

Donald Leroy Kjosen of Stanley, ND, a devoted father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Army Veteran passed away peacefully at the age of 93, on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the Mountrail County Medical Center in Stanley, ND.
Don was born on his maternal grandparents Harvey and Annie Sanderson's farm North of Van Hook, ND to Melvin and Mabel Kjosen on January 16, 1932. He was the middle child of 5 siblings. During his early childhood years, the family would move 5 times in 8 years to support Don's fathers' job with the Work Progress Administration building bridges and roads. Don along with his older siblings would plow the fields at 11 years old working a 4-horse team and plow in the Parshall, and Ruso area. The family also lived in Ruso, ND with Don's Grandparents, Evan and Alma Kjosen when Don's father worked in the coal mine by Ruso. Don's parents finally settled in the White Earth, ND area in 1945. While in White Earth, Don met his wife Verlee of 68 years. They enjoyed dances in the White Earth Hall and Ponchos. Their love of dancing was an activity they both really enjoyed. During Verlee's high school summers, she would work in Minot babysitting. Don would hustle to Minot after work on Friday night and bring her home for the weekends so they could dance.
In 1955 Don set off for Army basic training in Fort Hood, Texas. While Don's mechanic skills started at a young age, he increased his knowledge in the Army working on heavy equipment and tanks. Don was assigned to the Sixth Armored Division as a SP3.
Not long after completing basic training he went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for advanced mechanic training. In 1955 Don's love, Verlee, came to Fort Knox to join Don and they were married on July 16, 1955 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Don and Verlee made many friends while in the Army and kept in touch with a few. After being discharged from the Army, Don and Verlee landed in Tioga, ND. After working a couple jobs, Don landed a job at the International Harvester dealer in Tioga, ND. This is where Don really started to like the color red! Don also supported his brother Merrel on the farm by White Earth, ND.
During their time in Tioga their daughter Donelle and son Mark were born as well as a baby who died at birth. In 1968 Don and Verlee moved to Stanley, ND where Don was employed by Stanley Equipment and Verlee at the Mountrail Bethel Home. In Stanley their daughter Mari was born. In 1997 Don retired from Stanley Equipment after working with the "Red" equipment for 40 years. Don often talked about importance of the American farmer which he appreciated and respected.
In retirement Don and Verlee made trips to Arizona, Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, Indiana, Washington, and a bus trip to southern states. Don also made a trip on an Honors Flight for Veterans to Washington DC with his son Mark.
Don was a member of the Stanley Lions, served on the American Lutheran Church council, the Stanley Volunteer Ambulance team, and the Stanley Food Pantry board of directors. Don was also a 68-year member of the American Legion. Throughout his life he enjoyed visiting with family, tinkering in his home shop, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and joining his friends for the afternoon coffee at Joyce's Café.
Don was a proud father with a quiet strength, that believed in patriotism, dignity, honor, and the value of life. His life was shaped in part by his parents, his service to his country, and his community of friends and family. Through this love he set the moral compass high for the whole family.
Don is survived by his children, Mark Kjosen (Monica), and Mari Gleason (fiancée Robert Archer); four Grandchildren, Danny Niemitalo (Laura) , Ann (Brian) McDermott, Thomas Kjosen (Molly), Maria Zamarripa (Danny), and Lauren Gleason; seven Great Grandchildren, Lydia, Jack, Lane, Landon, Annabelle, Josie, and Claire; Step-Grandchildren, Kayden and Brennan; one Step-Great-Great Grandson, Atlas; Brother, Roland Kjosen; Brother-in Laws, Steven Thompson, Joe Ness, Jim Walters, and Jack Cremer; Sister-in-Laws, Joan (Jerry) Long, Beverly Thompson and Penny Thompson; and several nephews and nieces.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, Verlee; his daughter, Donelle Niemitalo and son, Baby Kjosen; great-granddaughter, Sadie Zamarripa; Son-in-Law, Wesley Niemitalo; Parents, Melvin and Mabel Kjosen; Sister, Bernice; and Brothers, Merrel and Dean.
Thank You
Special thanks to all the community of Stanley, the family and friends who supported Don and Verlee during their lifetime in Stanley.