Donald E. Marchus, 85, Fessenden, formerly of Cathay, passed away Friday, January 12, 2018 at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home in Harvey.

Donald Marchus, son of Oscar and Florence (Thompson) Marchus, was born October 17, 1932 on his parents farm near York where he lived his first years and attended school through the seventh grade. In 1945, the Marchus family moved to a farm west of Cathay. Donald attended Cathay High School, graduating in 1950. As a young man, he began farming with his father and later took over the family farm. He enjoyed working with horses as a boy.

On November 1, 1954, Donald was united in marriage to Muriel Hagemeister in Cathay. They made their home on the Marchus farm and continued to farm in the Cathay area until retiring in 1994. In October of 2001 they moved to Fessenden.

Don was an excellent farmer and could fix anything mechanical. His metal scrap pile was his parts store. He was proud to be one of the first farmers in the area to grow sunflowers.

In his youth, Don was a talented baseball player who pitched and played first base. He once had a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds.

He enjoyed old-time music and dancing and particularly loved a good waltz.

When his children and grandchildren were involved in sports he never missed a game.

Donald was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Fessenden and was a former member of the Wells County Water Board. He also served on the Cathay School Board and was a school bus driver for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife, Muriel; his daughter, Gail (Peder) Gjovik of rural Cathay; 2 sons, Kevin (Sarah) Marchus of Bismarck and Keith Marchus of Fessenden; 7 grandchildren; 4 Great-grandchildren; and one brother, Derle Marchus of Wilton.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 brothers, Dallas and Dean Marchus.

His funeral will be held Saturday, January 20, at 11:00 A. M. at the First Lutheran Church in Fessenden. Arrangements with Nelson Funeral Home of Fessenden.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com.