Donald 'Donnie' Kvislen

Donald (Donnie) Kvislen, Jr., 62, Modesto, CA, formerly of Jamestown, ND died Monday January 11, 2010 at Hampton Care Facility, Stockton, CA.

Donnie Kvislen was born October 31, 1947 at Jamestown, ND, the son of Donald Kvislen, Sr. and Irma (Mueller) Kvislen. He received his education at Jamestown, ND and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1965 and entered the US Navy. He served in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in action; receiving the Purple Heart for his valor. He was honorably discharged.

In 1976 Donnie was chosen Outstanding Handicapped Citizen of Jamestown and also received honorable mention for Outstanding Handicapped Citizen of North Dakota.

He married Anita Taylor on June 28, 1968 in Jamestown, ND. They made their home in Jamestown until the late Seventies upon graduating from Valley City State University. He began working at the North Dakota State Hospital as an Addictions Councilor. He also taught school in Woodworth, ND. He eventually moved out of state to California and has resided there. He worked as a Veteran's Claims Representative with the California Department of Veteran's Affairs in San Francisco.

Donnie had a strong passion for Baseball. He coached the Jamestown Merchants baseball team and Greenwood Plumbing Softball. He also played on the Legion team for 3 years.

Don enjoyed traveling, meeting new friends, going to movies and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Calvary Temple Church in CA.

He is survived by 1 son, Kevin Kvislen, Central Valley, CA; 1 daughter, Debra Wittenbrink, Central Valley, CA; his father, Donald (Helen) Kvislen, Sr., Jamestown, ND; 1 sister, Kathy Kvislen, Jamestown, ND; 2 brothers, Kent (Janet) Kvislen, Mankato, MN; Kyle (Carolyn) Kvislen, Bismarck, ND; 4 grandchildren and 7 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The Memorial service will be at 1:00 PM Friday January 29, 2010 at the United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, ND with Pastor Dave Thompson, officiating.

The interment will be at the Highland Home Cemetery in Jamestown, ND (in the spring).

Prayer service - 7:00 PM Thursday January 28, 2010 at the United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, ND.

In Lieu of Flowers family prefers Memorial the American Red Cross.