Donald "Don" Fergen

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Obituary

Donald “Don” Fergen, 83, of Parkston, SD, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026, at his home under hospice care in Parkston. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Monday, July 6, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Dimock. Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 7:00 PM prayer service.

Donald Alois Fergen was born March 30, 1943, to Henry and Helen (Weber) Fergen in Parkston, SD. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Parochial Grade School in Dimock and Parkston High School.

Don took over the family farm as a teenager after his father's death. His brother Jim was instrumental in getting him started, and they farmed together for many years. He was united in marriage to Gladys Walz on June 7, 1962, at Sacred Heart Church in Parkston. She was the love of his life, and they shared 64 years of marriage. Together, they had five children: Brenda, Barb, Bev, Bonnie, and Brian. Don worked very hard to provide for his family and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He continued farming on the family farm until 2010, when they retired to Parkston.

After retirement, Don continued to spend time on the farm while volunteering at the church. He was a lifetime member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.  He was also a board member of Farmers Alliance, and the church Parish Council, and a member of the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Don is survived by his wife, Gladys; children, Brenda Fergen (Charles Lubbers), Barb (Tim) Semmler, Bev (Bob) Weiss, Bonnie (Donny) Zirpel, and Brian Fergen (Lori Koch); along with 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).

He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

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