Donald Walz

Don Walz, 86, of Bismarck passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024 of Lewy Body Dementia.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 29, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N 6th St, Bismarck. To view the service livestream, click this link McCabe Church ND - YouTube

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Sunday, July 28, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at 2:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

He was born in Linton, ND on July 20, 1938, the son of Hugo and Selma Walz, and brother to Robert, Joan, Mary, Jerome, and Karen. Don graduated from Bismarck High School in 1956 and from the University of North Dakota with a degree in business in 1960. That same year he married the love of his life Gladys Rae Giedd. They were married for 56 years and had three sons Randal, Joel, and Jeffery. Don worked in steel fabrication for his entire career.

Don was a kind and generous community servant. He supported and was active in many organizations - most notably 50+ years at Sertoma, United Methodist Church, and Open Door Community Center. He served on multiple boards including Missouri Slope and The Salvation Army. He loved the Dakota Zoo and his gifts helped to support the wallaby exhibit.

He was an avid gardener and donated hundreds of pounds of produce to the Hunger Garden. Don enjoyed playing Santa Claus every Christmas, and was the embodiment of jolly Christmas spirit. Don loved meeting and talking to people from all walks of life - often memorializing their meeting by tracing their hand in his journal or composing a special poem for them.

He is survived by his brother Jerome (Renee) and sister Karen; sons Randal, Joel (Hayley), and Jeffery, and grandchildren Josie, Elliot, Jillian, Oliver, and Finn. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys.

Memorials may be designated to the Dakota Zoo, Sertoma, or The Salvation Army.

Don had many “best days ever”. We hope that celebrating his life with us will be one of yours.