Donald McGillis

Donald William McGillis, 79, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Sunday, November 22, 2009 at home with his family by his side. Don was born on January 17, 1930, the son of Harry and Myrtle McGillis (Frovarp) in Edmore, North Dakota. He was raised and educated in Edmore, graduating from Edmore High School in 1948. Don was united in marriage to Joan Ramberg on January 27, 1950 in Devils Lake, ND.Don then attended Mayville State Teachers College in Mayville, North Dakota where he did his undergraduate work in English, Library Science and Accounting. He then attended NDSU completing his Masters in Business Administration. Don taught at various schools which included Newbre Township in North Dakota, Karlstad, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota at Ben Franklin Elementary. He also served as principle atLancaster, Wheaton and Hawley, Minnesota. In 1968 Don started his career with MAHUBE Community Council as a teacher supervisor of the summer Head Start program. He became the agencychr(39)s planner in 1970 and the deputy director in 1973. Don became the executive director in 1982 and worked in that position until retiring in 2000. Don enjoyed golfing, gardening, politics, dancing, singing, woodworking, reading, crossword puzzles and spending time with his family. Don will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joan McGillis of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; four children, Greg (Mary) McGillis of Little Falls, Minnesota; Bryce (Dawn) McGillis of West Fargo, North Dakota; Dawn Askin and her fiance Brian Ulrich both of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Andrea McGillis of Cushing, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren, Sarah (Steve) Olson, Zachary (Leah) McGillis, Robin McGillis, Gregory McGillis and Kally McGillis, Angie (Dan) Ringsacker, Bryce McGillis II, Jeremy McGillis, Billie Jo (David) Kasin, Robert Askin, Brandon Askin and Logan Askin; eight great grandchildren, two brothers, Darrell (Mavis) McGillis of Chico, California; Larry (Dixie) McGillis of Portland, North Dakota; numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, one great grandson, David Kasin, sister, Faye McGillis, nephew, Anthony McGillis and sister-in-law, Lois McGillis.