Donald Maier

Donald J. Maier, longtime area resident, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at his home in LaCrosse. He was 87. No services are planned at this time.

Don was born July 22, 1932, in Zeeland, North Dakota, to Fred and Martha Graff Maier. Following his high school graduation in Zeeland, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army and worked as a mechanic during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. He was honorably discharged and moved to Spokane where he worked for a time at Fairchild Air Force Base. He moved to Colfax a short while later to be close to his brother Fred, who was already living here. He married Dolores Ann Holmes on May 31, 1957. They recently celebrated 63 years together.

Don worked as a mechanic for Brown & Holter Chevrolet and later operated the Mobil Service Station in town. For several years he worked in the Parts Department for Arrow Machinery and sold boats. Don and some other local men were partners in a plane and hangar out at the airport and Don loved piloting that plane.

Don was a "giver" and if anyone ever needed something; he was always there to lend a hand. This carried over in his commitment to the Colfax community by serving on the volunteer fire department for several years and as its Fire Chief from 1966 to 1971. He went to work for the Whitman County Road Department in Colfax and then moved to LaCrosse when a supervisor position came open.

He and Dolores have called LaCrosse home for the last 39 years. They purchased a large corner lot for their home where they maintained a large garden and a meticulously manicured lawn. They spent many summers at their trailer on Sun Up Bay – Coeur d'Alene Lake. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and golfing. He also liked playing pool or cards with his buddies. Homemade pickles were another one of his specialties. Don never met a stranger and he always came up with "nicknames" for the friends he would meet. He was always on the lookout for a new treat or candy.

His love for his family was undeniable and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He would play marbles with the grandkids for hours and usually on special boards that he had made. Pets were part of the family and treated just as if they were his kid. Cat or dog it didn't matter; he always had one. Don retired from the road department in 1995.

He will be missed by many in the community; but especially by his wife of 63 years, Dolores, at their LaCrosse home; his daughter, Vicki and her husband Craig Hatley of Colfax; two grandchildren, Kari (Brett) Kozma of Calabasas, Calif., and Sam Hatley, Sydney, Australia and two great-grandchildren, Haven and Crew Kozma. He was the last of six in his family and was preceded in death by siblings Fred, Lucille, Wes, Al, and Shirley.

The family suggests memorial gifts in his memory be directed to your local fire department. On-line guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.