Donald Mcgruder

Donald James McGruder, Jamestown, ND passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the age of 89.

Donald was born April 27, 1924 in Medina, ND, the son of Edward and Matilda (Meade) McGruder. Don grew up in the Medina area attending both rural and Medina Public Schools. On May 28, 1954 Donald married Velma Beck in Jamestown where they lived their entire married life. Donald and Velma were married 54 years when Velma passed away in 2008.

Don was employed at the North Dakota State Hospital for 41 years as a grounds man and supervisor. Prior to that he worked for the railroad and Walsh Moving Co. In 1990 Don retired from the ND State Hospital and enjoyed spending his retirement years working in his yard and growing roses with Velma. Although he continued to enjoy working in his yard after Velma passed, he lacked the passion he once had.

Donald is survived by sons, Rod (Trish), Olathe, KS and Richard (Shirley), Jamestown; and three grandsons, Matthew, Olathe, KS, Ryan (Erin), Overland Park, KS and Weston, Fargo, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Morris and Bernard "Ben"; and sisters, Agnes Cross, Veronica Gross and Calletta Graff-Laframboise.