Donald K. Barnard

Donald Keith Barnard, 95, Detroit Lakes, MN, passed on to God, Thursday January 18^th, 2024, at Ecumen  in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Don was born to Chester and Margaret (Bogenrief) Barnard on May 4^th, 1928.  One of 11 children, he started working in the California shipyards when he was 15 years old.  The family migrated to North Dakota and settled in Fargo.  He married Leona Koval in 1950 and they welcomed six children: Connie, Diane, David, Eileen, Tim, and Don.

Don proudly served his country with the Navy from 1945-1949 as a ship pipefitter, and from 1951-1953 with the Air Force as an aircraft welder. 

Don was a chef by trade, he worked at the Rex Café in Moorhead, Bronze Boot and the Westward Ho in Grand Forks, Town House in Fargo and the Ranch in Devils Lake.  In the early 1980’s, he settled in Detroit Lakes working at the Holiday Inn.  Don married Ruth Kusserow in 1988. They owned and operated Ruth & Don’s Bait Shop in Shoreham for several years, and wintered in Apache Junction, AZ.

Grandpa Don started a new career as a floral designer at the age of 83 working with his daughter, Val, at her floral shop in Detroit Lakes.  He helped with almost every wedding and prom order.  He designed and assembled beautiful floral designs, wood burned art and helped create stunning window displays and candy bouquets. He was also an avid sports fan.

He is survived by his brother, Gene; children, Eileen Pearson, Tim Barnard, & Don Barnard, Val (Jim) Voigt, Terry (Alegria) Kusserow, and Deb (Curt) Prader; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that brought such joy to our Dad.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Leona; second wife, Ruth; children, Connie, Diane, & David; Ruth’s son, Ralph; grandson, Tony; and his siblings, Ray, Opal, Lyle, Norman, Peggy, Chester, Margaret, Duane, and Marilou. 

Memorial service for Don will be Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 2PM in Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home Chapel, Detroit Lakes, MN.  Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in the summer at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.  

Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN.   Online condolences can be shared at www.korsmofuneralservice.com.