Donald McCloskey

Donald McCloskey, 86, passed away on November 29, 2025, in Mesa, AZ with family by his side.
Donald Lloyd McCloskey was born on September 10, 1939, the son of Lloyd and Velma (Henschen) McCloskey, in Granville, ND. He was raised and educated in Granville and graduated from Granville High School in 1957.
He married Lila Genetzky on April 5, 1959. After they got married, they moved to Stanley where he ran an auto parts store. After a couple of years, they made their way back to Granville where they built their home north of town. They bought the family farm and continued farming and ranching for many years. They started their family and had two boys, Terry W. and Dean. The boys were killed in a car accident in 1976. They had two more children, Terry L. and Donna.
He became well known for trucking a variety of things, including cattle, grain and machinery. This led to the start of his trucking and livestock equipment business in Minot, ND. He was known for his hard work ethic and was always willing to lend a helping hand. After retiring, he spent his winters in Arizona and summers on the farm by Granville.
He was a member of The Moose and Elks Lodge in Arizona and Eagles in Rugby. He was active with the Granville Community Club, helping the city of Granville with a variety of tasks.
His loving family includes his wife of 66 years, Lila McCloskey; children, Terry L McCloskey, Donna (Chad) Desjardins; grandchildren, Zachery McCloskey, Sarah McCloskey, Dawson Desjardins, Madelyn Desjardins; great-grandchildren, Grayson McCloskey; nephew, Phil Padgett.
He was preceded in death by his sons, Terry W. and Dean McCloskey; parents, Lloyd and Velma McCloskey; brother, Calvin McCloskey; nephew, Rick McCloskey.
Memorial Service: will take place in the Spring/Summer of 2026 at Hope Congregational Church, Granville, ND.
Inurnment: will take place at the Granville Cemetery, Granville, ND.