Donald "Don" Malec, 78, Valley City, ND, passed away at Mercy Hospital in Valley City on March 21, 2025.   A celebration of Don's life will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, April 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM with a time for fellowship following the service at the Valley City Eagles Club.  If the weather doesn't cooperate, alternative arrangements will be made for the service.

Donald James Malec was born October 10, 1946, to Stanley and Catherine (Jensen) Malec.  He grew up in rural Barnes County, ND where he attended and graduated from Noltimeier School.  Don went on to college in Wahpeton, ND.  He spent several years working at Miller Motors in Valley City before his Crohn's Disease put him on medical disability.  Always a social guy, he "helped out" at Bayshore City Side in Valley City for many years.

On March 14, 1970, he married Pat Kinslow.  They made their home in Valley City.

He had many hobbies like hunting, fishing and visiting with friends and family.  He found enjoyment in being a cowboy.  Don and his family were members of the Sheyenne Valley Riding Club.  He showed horses as well as rode them.  Later in life, he took up car racing, namely drag racing.

Don was an "over" active member of the Eagles Aerie 2192 in Valley City.  He was a trustee and made his way through the chairs of the board more than once, as well as serving on the scholarship committee.  Don and Pat were honored as Mr. and Mrs. Eagle.  He was also a member of the ND Winter Show Rodeo Queen Pageant Committee.  Don belonged to Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City.

He is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Brent) Thomsen; grandchildren, Ariyana (Riley) McAdoo-Roesler, Kaynen (Sadie) Malec, Alyssa Thomsen, and Chesney Thomsen; a great grandson, Hudson McAdoo-Roesler; brothers, Ron (Janay) Malec, Rick (Sally) Malec, and Del (Rose Mary) Malec; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pat; and son, Darin.

The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Don's family with arrangements.  An online guestbook and tribute page are available at www.lerudmathias.com