Donald Wald

Donald Wald, 87, Minot, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025 in an adult care facility.
Donald Ray Wald was born to Ambrose and Kathryn (Feist) Wald on July 4, 1938, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Minot, ND. He was the second child in a family of eleven children. Don was baptized at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot and made his First Communion at Lady of Perpetual Help in Granville.
The family farmed near Norwich until 1948. During the Christmas break of 1948, the storms were so severe that the children were not able to attend school in Norwich again that winter. His father, Ambrose, did not want his children missing school so he purchased a bar and moved the family to Karlsruhe. Don attended grade school at St Peter & Paul's and graduated from Karlsruhe High School in 1956 as the valedictorian.
When Don was eleven years old, he worked on his first construction project helping his Grandpa Feist build his home. He continued working for his grandpa shingling roofs, remodeling, etc. through high school. After high school, he attended Wahpeton State School of Science and graduated in 1958 with an Associate's degree in Drafting and Estimating.
He began his career at Minot Sash & Door Company in Minot, ND in 1958. Don became the chief draftsman and estimator. He had to overcome his fear of talking to people on the telephone, a luxury they did not have at their home in Karlsruhe. Don became a partner in 1964 and continued to work there for over fifty years before retiring.
Don met his wife, Bertha Bartsch, at a wedding dance in Balfour, ND. Shortly after her high school graduation, they were engaged. Don and Bertha married on July 22, 1959 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Balfour. Don's birthday is the 4th of July and Bertha's birthday is Christmas day. Don often said, "an angel married a firecracker". They had ten children, five boys and five girls. They lost their fourth daughter Rebecca shortly after birth.
In 1962, Don built their permanent home in Minot as they were outgrowing their rental house with the third child on the way. The property has gone through many remodels and additions over the years (all done by Don with Bertha as the foreman) to accommodate their growing family. Don was a master carpenter. He attributed his quest for perfection to Bertha having the final approval. All of his children benefited from his knowledge and skill in their own homes.
Don's life centered around God, the family and providing. During the early years, the family spent their weekends attending weddings, visiting relatives and helping at his dad's bar in Karlsruhe. Don and Bertha loved to entertain and especially enjoyed dancing. Don was the ultimate host making sure all guests felt welcomed and had their favorite drink.
Later, the family went on camping trips. When the work of camping outweighed the fun (especially for Don), they joined the Minot Country Club and enjoyed many years as members. Don was an active golfer and served a term as the President of Minot Country Club. Instead of a foursome, it was the "Waldsome" often needing 2 or 3 tee times.
Don was proud that all of his children graduated from Bishop Ryan Catholic School and all obtained a college degree. Don loved attending the children's school activities and sporting events. He was an early adopter of video recording and was often seen in the bleachers behind the camera while also helping the referees with their "missed calls".
Don served as president on the Bishop Ryan School Board and was a member of St. John, The Apostle Catholic Church. He was very involved in the Minot community as a member of the Association of General Contractors (AGC) and several fraternal associations. As part of AGC, Don and Bertha traveled to Hawaii. At the time it was considered a trip of a lifetime.
Once becoming empty nesters, Don and Bertha enjoyed traveling south in the winter and visiting their children and grandchildren across the country in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, South Carolina and Washington. Don had no desire to travel abroad. However, Bertha convinced him to join the St. John's pilgrimage to Rome. The history and architecture amazed Don. He was grateful for the spiritual journey.
Don truly enjoyed the family gatherings with all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He went out of his way to make sure everyone felt at home and had their favorite treats. In the later stages of his dementia, he would light up with joy when the little ones would visit.
Don was a man of faith and never missed Mass. He, a generous soul, gave of his time, talents and treasure. During the last few years of his life, although physically challenged and not always remembering names, he could still recite prayers and sing his favorite songs. Please remember Don when you hear Amazing Grace, one of his all-time favorites.
Those Who Shared in His Life
Wife of 66 years, Bertha, children: Mary (Gregory) Zeece, Minot, Deena (Michael) Elm, Minot, Duane (Patti) Wald, Surprise, AZ, Pamela Thomas, Austin, TX, Steven (Kathy) Wald, Minot, Julie (Peter), Stewart, Plymouth, MN, Douglas (Tara) Wald, Easley, SC, Jeffrey (Hollie) Wald, Fort Collins, CO, Aaron (Amy) Wald, Seattle, WA
Grandchildren: Benjamin (Alli), Haley, Josef (Holly) Zeece; Brian, Austin (Betsy), Jerik (Kristen); Kyler (Dailey), Kalan, Shayla, Bryson Elm; Drake (Kalea), Burke Wald; Chandler Thomas; Zachary (Bailey), Madison, Maya Wald; Hannah (Garret) Jansen, Elijah (Ethlyn), Annika Stewart; Owen, Evan Wald; Brekken, Eva, Boden Wald; Lilliana, Wren, Vivian Wald; Step Granddaughters: Ayanna, Kyla Hollier; 24 Great Grandchildren; Siblings: Lindamarie Spaulding, Sandra (Carl) Valensky, Brian (Bonnie) Wald, Ramona Miller; In-laws: Carolyn Shelley, Charles Bartsch, Gerri Lynn Wald.
Several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Rebecca, grandson Kirksten Elm, siblings Patrick, Timothy, Robert and Valerie Wald, Mildred Bartsch, and Audrey Engelhard.
The Wald family wants to give special thanks to Rose and Matt Enney for their amazing care of Don during his final years. We feel truly blessed that they welcomed Don and his family as a part of theirs. Bertha considered them her angels on earth.
Visitation: Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7:00 p.m., St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:30 a.m., St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot
Memorials to Bishop Ryan Catholic School, St John the Apostle Catholic Church, or Donor's Choice.
The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home's YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/8V8MaThTjfo?feature=share