Donald Henry Luraski passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Rocky Mountain Care Facility with his loving wife by his side. Don was 92.
Don was born December 7, 1929. He would remind everyone that it was a “A Day that Would Live in Infamy”.
Don grew up in Missoula. As a child, he was active in singing and dancing. He joined the United States Navy upon graduation and served for two years. In 1955 he married Dolores Mack; together they had a son, Greg. After divorcing, he met and married the love of his life: Marva Ziesman. A city boy and a country girl. They built the Buffalohorn ranch, and combined families to raise Mareesa, Greg, Kathy, Bret, and Amie. Here they would welcome “Daddy’s little girl”, Molly. They would spend the next years raising sheep, pigs, horses, a buffalo, chickens, and cows. Don spent most of his life singing and playing drums in many bands, including the Stardusters. After moving to Helena, he became employed by Fish Wildlife and Parks as the warehouse foreman. Lunchtime at the warehouse was “Paul Harvey time”. Don was a devoted listener-imagine his surprise when Paul Harvey wished Don a happy birthday! Don retired from FWP in 1992 and worked on the ranch. And that was the rest of the story.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Marva of 53 years, daughters Mareesa (Craig) Andrews, Kathy Halverson, Amie Halverson, and Molly (Jon) Moore, sons Greg (Lori) Luraski, and Bret Halverson. Grandchildren, Alisa (Andy) Martin, Shane Pruett, Chase Pruett, Hailey (Brian) Smith, Kyle Andrews, Brice Luraski, Brock Luraski, Mariha Edwards, Corbin Edwards, Chris Halverson, Alisha Downs, Caitlin (Jason) Bauer, and James and Abrahm Moore. As well as numerous great grandchildren.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He recorded a Boone and Crockett elk as a young man and loved fishing until he was no longer able. His Golden Retriever, Rebel was his one and only bird dog that was the center of many stories. He was, however, never without a dog. Don was an expert on aircrafts; he could name any plane in the sky and his den is filled with models. Anyone who knew Don knew he loved buffalo-maybe obsessed- So, it was amazing when a newborn baby buffalo showed up on the doorstep and he raised it. Don loved his family and would drop everything to help them out. His big dimples, radiant smile, twinkling eyes, ever present cowboy hat, and beautiful tenor voice will be greatly missed.
The family appreciates the Helena VA nurses and doctors, the nurses and staff at Rocky Mountain Care, and Enhabit Hospice. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Wounded Warriors or ASPCA would be appreciated.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 12th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 E. 6th Ave, with a reception to follow at the church. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10 a.m.
Monday September 12, 2022
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday September 12, 2022
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Monday September 12, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrospn, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10 a.m.
Monday September 12, 2022
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday September 12, 2022
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Monday September 12, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrospn, Montana 59636
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Barb Marcoux says
Marva and Family,
Sending you love and prayers! Don was a good friend and will be missed. We have so many good memories over the years.
Barb and Ron Marcoux
Lessie says
Marva and family, I am so sorry for your loss! You have been so blessed to have this man as your husband, friend, father, and example. I wish you so much love and experiences in the future, and know that is what Don would want for you.
Lessie
Cathie schoer says
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.
Connie & Mark Lere says
Don was such a character and always a friend to everyone he met. He will be missed by many! Wishing the family peace and happy hearts filled with so many great memories and stories!
Kathryn Reilly says
Don was a sweet lovely person, who was always making everyone smile. So many good memories of our years at Fish Wildlife and Parks. Prayers and peace to his family.
Bill and Marybeth says
Marva and family, so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. May you find comfort in your memories.
Sarge Hoem says
Remember Don well!!! It was always a pleasure to run down to the waerhouse and visit with him and get him stirred up about something. Great and fun person. Don did a great job for the fish and game. Best wishes to his family!!!
Joni McKiernan says
Marva & Family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Don was my favorite person when I worked with him all my years at Fish Wildlife & Parks at the Warehouse. We shared many lunch hours with Paul Harvey in silence so we didn’t miss a word! Don made my job fun and interesting as well as all the employees coming and going. I moved away so I have missed having an opportunity to visit over the past years but felt I stayed in touch with your postings on Facebook. May he rest in peace in the comfort of the Lord and Blessings to you Marva for your diligent care in his final days.
Rena Carlson says
Marva and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Don’s Passing. He was always quite the character and always had the best sense of humor and could make everyone laugh!!!! Prayers and hugs to you all.
Annette Wlliams says
Dear Marva, Molly and family, Mark and I were so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him. I especially remember his smile and Mark remembers Don always offering him a whiskey. It was a beautiful service. Take care, Annette Williams
Helen Becker says
The best day of my life was finding out through Marva and ancestry that I had a Uncle Don and Aunt Marva. Meeting them was so special. I so often think why did it take so long. We could have met many years ago and had so much more time. But that wasn’t part of the Lord’s intent. I know they are making music in heaven. I will certainly miss you.
Sandy says
So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Don played drums and sang with my husband George and the starduster band. Lots of memories.
Misty Hammerbacker says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I hope he and Dick get together in Heaven. He was a wonderful gentleman.