Dr. Donald Ray Scoby

Dr. Donald R. Scoby-beloved husband, father, grandad and great grandad-94, of West Fargo, ND, died of natural causes Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Kinder Care Assisted Living in West Fargo.

Donald Ray Scoby was born March 18, 1931, in Brown County, Sabetha, Kansas, son of Otis Charles and Estella Ruth (McClanahan) Scoby. Don graduated high school in 1949 from Sabetha High School and immediately began his pursuit of an agriculture degree from Kansas State University.

Don's academic career was put on hold in 1951 when he chose to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Donald served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a gunnery instructor at Randolph AFB, and also served overseas in Europe as a gunner on B29 and B26 bombers.

Don received his Bachelor's Degree from Kansas State in 1957, a Master's Degree from Nebraska State Teacher's College at Peru, Nebraska in 1960, and his Doctorate from North Dakota State University in 1968. Donald served as a Professor of Biology at NDSU from 1966 - 1990, and a part-time Professor at Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota until his retirement in 1996. Throughout his career Don taught nearly 200 science education majors and over 20,000 students in undergraduate and graduate biology related courses. Donald received the Robert Odney Outstanding Teacher Award and the National Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year Award.

Don met the love of his life, Glenna Jean "Jeanie" Norrie at the early age of 12 yrs old while attending Sabetha Junior High in 1943, and he knew their future was certain after holding Jeanie's hand during the "Shine on Harvest Moon" junior high play. Donald married his Jeanie on June 19, 1956, in Sabetha, Kansas.

Don and Jeanie enjoyed a beautiful 65 year marriage where they never once left each other's side. Together they enjoyed spending time with their daughter Melodye and grandson Nicholas-attending all of his sporting activities-and traveling abroad. Don and Jeanie were avid members of the American Volkssport Association where they completed sanctioned walks in all 50 states and capitals.

Don was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion. He also volunteered his time at the VA and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Don and Jeanie were active members of Faith United Methodist Church, Fargo, ND.

Donald is survived by his grandson, Nicholas (Heidi) Hansen, Fargo, ND and three great granddaughters (Reese, Olivia, and Norrie). He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie; parents, Otis and Estella Scoby; brothers, Kenneth, Harold, and Arthur Scoby; and daughter, Melodye (Brewster) Scoby.

Memorial Service: 12:00pm, Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Faith United Methodist Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation 11:00am - 12:00pm. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Burial: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND and Sabetha Cemetery, Sabetha, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to HIA Hospice-a foundation near and dear to Don and Jeanie's hearts.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.