Don Timmie Doran

Don Timmie Doran, age 72, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Sanford in Fargo, ND. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Harvest Outreach Church in Wahpeton, ND. Pastor Dominick Warne will be officiating. Burial will be held at the Fargo National Cemetery at 11 a.m., Friday, December 15, 2023, in Harwood, ND. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

Don was born on January 9, 1951, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He was the son of Warren and Alice Doran and grew up in a warm and nurturing home alongside his older siblings, Vernon, Ardon, and Marilyn Doran.  Don graduated from Barnesville High School in 1968.

His thirst for knowledge led him to further his education by attending Moorhead Tech. for accounting during the 1968/1969 year. In August of 1970, Don joined the United States Air Force where he served as a security policeman with a loyal K-9 companion, Sarge. Don's service took him across different landscapes as he was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training and San Antonio, Texas for the completion of his AFSC training before being deployed to Germany for two and a half years. While in Germany, he received Airman of the Month awards for his exemplary duty. Upon returning to the United States, he was stationed in Minot, ND, as a missileer.

His time in the Air Force molded his character and instilled in him values that he carried throughout his life. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1974 as a Staff Sargent, Don continued his service to the nation by joining the Army National Guard from 1978 to 1984. During this time, he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator and contributed to various vital projects. Don found employment at Minn-Dak Beet Plant in 1975, where he worked as a sugar boiler for over 40 years. His dedication and hard work made him a valued member of the team. Don's commitment to excellence was evident in everything he did.  
           
On May 27, 1978, Don married the love of his life, Deborah Ann VanZante. Their union was a testament to the power of love and companionship. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished memories including 44 annual trips to Duluth for their anniversary, many camping trips with the children while they were growing up, and fishing trips with family. Don memorized many Norwegian, family recipes but he was especially known for his peanut brittle, and honored his mother’s lefse tradition year after year with potatoes from his own garden.           

While Don had successful professional endeavors, his true joy came from spending time with his family. He was a loving, compassionate father to his children, Corey (Beth) Doran of Fergus Falls, MN, and Andrew (Niki) Doran of Springfield, VA. Don's greatest joy in life came from being a grandfather to Toby, Elliot, and Levi Doran. He treasured every moment spent with them and took pride in watching them grow.         

Don's memory will forever be cherished by his surviving family members: his loving wife Deb Doran; sons Corey (Beth) Doran and Andrew (Niki) Doran; grandchildren Toby, Elliot, and Levi Doran; brother Ardon (Ruth) Doran of Wahpeton, ND; sister, Marilyn Bauer of Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law Blanch Doran of New Brighton, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Alice Doran, and brother, Vernon Doran.