Donald "Durf" Durfee

Dates

Obituary

Donald M. Durfee, 79, of Palm Beach, FL, formerly of Mitchell, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, in Mitchell. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 17, at Blarney's Sportsbar & Grill in Mitchell. Friends and family are invited to join Don's family for a time of fellowship and refreshments to celebrate his life.

Donald (Durf) Mark Durfee was born on October 20, 1944, to Mark and Elizabeth (Billie) (Rath) Durfee in Pierre, SD. The family made their home in the ranch country near Highmore, SD, where he attended K-12, graduating in 1962. After graduation, he earned a bachelor's degree from Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, SD, graduating in 1966 with majors in Art and Speech/Drama and a minor in Education. He furthered his education, receiving a master's degree in Art and Teaching from Northern University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, graduating in 1988.

Don married Evalyn Sougstad and later divorced. He went on to meet and marry the love of his life, LaVonne (Vonnie) Kay Wagner, on November 8, 1980. Vonnie brought four children to the marriage: Cami, Robert, Kim, and Dawn.

In his early years, he was active in church, band, chorus, football, and track. He was an honor student and a member of the all-state band. Don played the piano, trombone, and was a self-taught guitar and banjo player.

Don's 43-year teaching career began in Sioux Falls, SD, at Lincoln High School. He is acknowledged by local, state, and national education associations, taught workshops, summer school, adjunct positions, and adult education in Highmore, Huron, Mitchell, Crow Creek, Pine Ridge, and universities including Central Michigan University, Nova Southeastern University, and Barry University. His career was both a challenge and an inspiration.

Don's professional art career began in 1972 with co-designing the murals on The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD, which were completed throughout 1976. His drawings, paintings, and competitions have been done throughout the United States since then. His work is included in the permanent collection of the Senator George McGovern Library, The Center for Western Studies, businesses, and private collections. His camera was his constant companion, and through his lens, he found peace and connection to the natural world.

In May of 1989 Don and Vonnie moved to Florida. Their home was always filled with friends and family; laughter was felt all around. If you had the opportunity to be part of this jubilation, you would not only hear but feel the love he had for all those in his presence. Don was one of the most loyal, loving, generous, compassionate; give his shirt off his back, kind of guy. He had a soft heart for humans and his fur babies. If you didn’t find him enjoying time with his family, you would find him on an adventure taking photos, or up the road at Dunkin Donuts enjoying conversation with friends new and old.

His kindness and patience were not only felt by family but by all the students he taught throughout his career as well. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Donald is survived by his brother, James Durfee of Florence, AZ; daughter, Cami (Brad) Martin of Mitchell, SD; daughter, Dawn Wagner of Lake Worth, FL; and son, Robert Wagner of Okeechobee, FL. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Vince (Rose) Vande Berg, Bo (Frida) Martin, Tate (Samantha) Martin, Max Edwards, Cam (Heather) Wagner, Cole Wagner, and Chance Wagner, and three great-grandchildren.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Elizebeth (Rath) Durfee, wife Vonnie (Wagner) Durfee and his daughter, Kim (Wagner) Edwards.

Service