Donald Anthony Exner

1938 - 2024

Donald Anthony Exner

January 22, 1938 - July 16, 2024

Donald Anthony Exner passed away on July 16, 2024.

Don was born on Jan. 22, 1938, in Edgely, North Dakota. He was the third of 11 children born to Bernard and Rose (Schlosser) Exner. As a young child, his family moved to a farm in Jamestown, North Dakota, where he was raised. Don graduated from St. John's Academy High School in Jamestown and attended St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, graduating in 1960.

Don married Sheila Toner in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1965. He and Sheila raised four children: Mike, Pat, Susie and Brian.

Service to others was the core of who he was. Don was on the formation committee of the St. Pat's Holy Spirit Pantry and on the committee that started the Farmer's Market. He was Grand Knight of KC's Council 1211 and was a mentor in the TeamMates Mentoring Program, meeting with the same mentee weekly for 10 years. He and Sheila provided a home for numerous foster children over nearly two decades. He served in the North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa National Guard for a total of six years.

Don worked as a store manager for Woolworth, then did construction work, during which he fell off a roof and became disabled. He continued to do as much as he could and maintained a good attitude.

He enjoyed playing cards, puzzling and painting by numbers, but enjoyed nothing more than being a grandfather.

Don was preceded in death by his infant son, David; angel baby Exner; his parents; and brother, Gene.

Don is survived by his wife, Sheila; sons Mike (Julie), Patrick (Marilou) and Brian; daughter, Susie; grandchildren, Henry, Dima and Ellie Exner and Sam Van Blaircom; siblings, Dalene Happ, Yvonne (Don) Bonderson, Alvin (Tiny), John (Cathy), Rose Ann Fehr, Bernie (Raf) Fornais, Tony (Cheri), Terry (Sharon) and Tim (Nancy); and 40 nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.

Rosary is at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m., Friday, July 19, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Adams-Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.