Donald Tweeten, 73, Turtle Lake, ND died November 5, 2024 at his daughter's residence in Bismarck under the care of hospice and his family. Visitation will be Friday, November 8, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake with Pastor Russ Lambert officiating. Burial will be in the Turtle Lake Cemetery.

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald (Don) Rodney Tweeten announce his passing on November 5, 2024, after battling chronic illness as he is now in God's eternal care. Don was born on April 19, 1951, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Lester and Leone (Nordquist) Tweeten. Don grew up on the Tweeten farm working side-by-side with family while sharing farming and ranching life experiences. Don attended Vetter country school until 3rd grade before transferring to Turtle Lake Public school. Don was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake. Don graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1969. He attended college at Minot State University before working at Farmer's Union in Washburn. Don married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Anderson on June 5, 1970, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake. Don was a handyman who could fix anything often jokingly referred to as "our MacGyver" by loved ones. Don's varied skillset allowed him to work in a wide variety of trades. Don started as a mechanic at Farmer's Union in Washburn and Turtle Lake where he learned to repair large appliances and a variety of vehicles. Don expanded his mechanical skills working on large equipment with Brown and Root Construction while building the McClusky Canal as a part of the Garrison Diversion project. Don joined Ames Construction during the formation of Coal Creek Station where he later became employed with Cooperative Power. Don was a heavy equipment operator and coal supervisor retiring with Great River Energy after 30+ years.

Don's love of animals continued throughout his life. He raised cattle, sheep, and horses along with his many beloved pet dogs. Don enjoyed the outdoors especially helping his brothers' farm outside of work hours and would use any excuse to hop in his John Deere tractor to complete odd jobs for family and friends. Don's expertise and knowledge of vehicles allowed him to tell the make, model, and year of any vehicle that passed. Don was a proud owner of a highland green 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, "Old Blue" Chevy pickup, Dodge Ram, and various Toyotas. Don competed in a demolition derby at Brush Lake winning the Championship trophy in 1974.

Don and his wife Cheryl of 54 years lived most of their life on the Nordquist family farm homestead. Don felt very blessed to have four beautiful daughters. He cherished becoming a Grandad to eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Don enjoyed spending time with his growing family from playing Pinochle cards where he taught and coached his daughters, son-in-laws, and grandkids often giving up his seat for them to play in family tournaments to outdoor yard games like bocce ball, ladder golf, and corn hole. Don's insight with many professional football teams aided his frequent winnings in seasonal family pick'ems. He liked to brag he owned a piece of the Green Bay Packers each time they played.  Don loved to pass on his life's wisdom and knowledge to friends and family during heartfelt conversations.

Don is survived by his wife Cheryl (Anderson) Tweeten of Turtle Lake; daughters Jill Staudinger (Scott) of Bismarck, Kristi Martin (Robert) of Bismarck, Joni Tweeten of Grand Forks, and Kelli Beckman (Pat) of Mandan;  grandchildren Taren Staudinger (Avery), Talon Staudinger, Sydni Martin, Tiana Staudinger, Brett Martin, Tasia Staudinger, Brayson Beckman, and Britley Beckman; great granddaughters, Tauriel and Lyenna Staudinger;  sisters Carol Nelson of Bismarck and Judy Bonnett (Marv) of Calhoun, Louisiana; brothers Clinton Tweeten of Washburn, Jerry Tweeten (Arlis) of Turtle Lake, and David Tweeten of Turtle Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Leone Tweeten; brother, James Lester Tweeten; and sister-in-law, Sharyll (Zingg) Tweeten.