Donald L. Latendresse, D'48

Donald Leroy Latendresse, D'48, passed away on February 4,, 2017 in Centerville, South Dakota. 

Donald Leroy Latendresse was born July 19, 1930 in Beresford at the home of his parents John J. and Olga (Pedersen) Latendresse and entered into death peacefully in his sleep on Saturday February 4, 2017 at the age of 86 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Don was a lifetime resident of Beresford with the exception for several years as a resident and graduate of Boys Town in Omaha NE where he and his next younger brother Harold were students, and also while serving his country as a Navy sailor. While in Connecticut attending Naval Submarine School he met Beverly Adams and they married four years later on August 30, 1952 in Wethersfield CT. The couple moved to Beresford where they made their home and raised their family of three children.

Don was a skilled carpenter, builder and contractor. He began his building career as a young man with his father and later had his own construction company in partnership with his cousin Louis Latendresse. Whether a small remodel job, an addition or new build in Don’s mind no job was too small and every job was worth doing right.

Don had a lifelong love and devotion to nature, hunting and fishing. His vast experience, knowledge and patience in hunting and fishing were shared and admired by many. He found solace and deep enjoyment in a day of fishing on the muddy banks of the river or an afternoon and early evening waiting in a tree stand with bow and arrow in hand ready for that Big Buck to come his way.

Don was an exceptional marksman as well as a first class bow and arrow Archer. During the 60’s and early 70’s he held multiple consecutive year titles as State Champion in the highest levels of freestyle target shooting. This love for archery became a family affair with both Don’s wife Bev and son Mike participating and adding to the family’s collection of trophies.

Don was preceded in death by his parents John and Olga Latendresse, his wife Beverly, and brothers John Robert, Harold and David. Among those who survive and who gratefully shared his life are oldest son Micheal and daughter-in-law Patty of Oakhurst, CA, son Scott Latendresse of Los Angeles, CA, daughter Lisa Latendresse and son-in-law George Finlay of Katy, TX; two grandsons, Adam and Alex, and grand daughter Elizabeth all of Texas, step grand daughter Lauren Finlay of Seattle, WA; one older brother James (Jim) from Camden, TN, and his “favorite” sister Mary Groetken of Commerce City, CO; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A   Celebration Of Life in Don’s memory will be held at 10AM Saturday February 18, 2017 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford.