Donald Ray Storebo

Donald Ray Storebo, 88, Prescott Valley, Ariz., passed away on November 2, 2023, and was called home to his Heavenly Father. He was under the compassionate care of Pines Home Health and Hospice, and in his final weeks, the love of his devoted family surrounded him.

Donald was born on August 31, 1935, in Finley, N.D., to Gerhard and Stella (Brekke) Storebo. He was raised and educated in Finley and graduated from Finley High School. In 1955, he embarked on a noble journey by joining the U.S. Navy, where he served with honor on the USS Platte. After his honorable discharge in 1957, he continued to cherish his identity as an American Veteran. Following his military service, he attended Mayville State University, enjoying the limelight and success of the basketball court over the classroom!

In 1961, Donald married his beloved bride, Donna Poehls. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children. Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years. In 1990, he found love again when he married Judy Archer, a friend who had sung at his and Donna’s wedding; he welcomed her son, Vince (Ruth), into the family.

Donald lived his life to the fullest, with his family at the center of it all. He eagerly anticipated his annual trips to North Dakota to be with his daughters and their families. “Grandpa Don” was a jokester who had a knack for making people smile with his sense of humor and playful teasing. He relished engaging in spirited debates, often taking a contrary stance just to ignite a lively discussion. He hosted a “beer summit” for years when visiting Fargo, bringing together old friends from Finley, N.D., to hash out the day’s hottest topics. He cherished moments of laughter and relaxation with his grandchildren during backyard bonfires, especially while savoring a cold Old Milwaukee beer. He shared his joy of basketball, golfing and fishing with his children and grandchildren and boasted about being a better pool player than he actually was! To keep his mind sharp and his body healthy, he enjoyed regular rounds of golf with friends at the Prescott Country Club and playing chess with friends at the library.

For over 30 years, Donald was a dedicated contractor working alongside his brother and later venturing out on his own. He was proud of his contracting roots and the enduring relationships he developed with clients building their custom dream homes. He worked in North Dakota and Washington before relocating to Prescott Valley in 1987. He shared his carpentry skills with children and grandchildren by tackling home improvement projects, and building forts, birdhouses and more.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Judy; four children, Kristi (Brad) Monson of Fargo, N.D., Stephanie Sneed of Mandan, N.D., Daryl (Lind) Storebo of Ash Fork, Ariz., and Dalton Storebo of Tuscon, Ariz. He leaves behind a legacy of eight cherished grandchildren: Garrett, Aaron, Emma Monson; Sydney (Matt) Kopp; Jordan (Jacob) Mittelsteadt; Wyatt and Levi Storebo; and Alyssa (Isaiah) Vargas, along with three great-grandchildren. His surviving family also includes his brother Steve (Pam) Storebo of Spokane, Wash.; sisters-in-law Harriet (Terry) Jacobson of Dewey, Ariz., and Delores (Jay) Henrickson of Mayville, N.D. He is further survived by Judy’s son Vince (Ruth) Archer of Versailles, Ky.; grandsons Isaac (Hannah) and Joel (Shelby), and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Donna, his brother Gerald Storebo, and his son-in-law Kerry Sneed.

A private celebration of Donald’s life will be held in Prescott Valley, with details to be announced at a later date. He will be laid to rest in North Dakota at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to organizations of your choice in his honor.