Donald Ueke Sr.
Nov. 1, 1948-March 17, 2008
Detroit Lakes native Donald R. Ueke, Sr., 59, of Sauk Rapids, Minn., died Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas, due to a truck accident.
Donald was born to Merton and Dorothy (Harms) Buck on Nov. 1, 1948 in Detroit Lakes. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Donald was wounded at Chu Lai and received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation Medal-Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and Gallantry Cross Medal. He worked as a truck driver for Johanning Trucking in Park Rapids for 20 years, and most recently, for Marson Contractors in Sauk Rapids for the past eight years. Donald was a member of the Detroit Lakes VFW, Detroit Lakes American Legion, and the Cooties.
Survivors include his life partner, Peggy Arseneau of Sauk Rapids; sons and daughter, Donald Jr. "Regi" (Rhonda) Ueke of Frazee, Jenny Beam of Sauk Rapids and Mike (Amy) Arseneau of Rice; mother, Dorothy Buck of Rogers; brothers and sisters, David (Margie) of Burnsville, Cindy Helmuth of Zimmerman, Jeanette (Michael) Jackson of Fort Meyers, Fla., LeeAnn (Don) Ferrian of Rogers, Rayna Rathbun of Isanti, and William Helmuth, Jr. of Minneapolis; and five grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Merton; and his beloved grandparents.
Friends may call from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. The Detroit Lakes American Legion, VFW and Cooties will pray at 6 p.m., followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud., with the Rev. Anthony Oelrich officiating. Burial with full military honors and Patriot guard will be at Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery near Little Falls.
Pallbearers are Mark Hanson, Jeff Hanson, Aaron Pick, Dale Harren, Jim Stanley, Rick Wicker. Honorary Pallbearers are Jerry Minderman and Gene Miller.
Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. An obituary, guest book and video tribute may be accessed online at www.dingmannfuneralhomes.com.