Donald Dunbar

Donald William “Donnie” Dunbar, 76, of Ericsburg, Minn., passed away Friday, Aug. 1,2025, at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. He was surrounded by loving family.

Donnie was born on Feb. 7, 1949, in International Falls. The eldest of six children, he spent the majority of his childhood on McIntyre Hill in South Falls. He was a crossing guard in the old Holler School system, and his first job was as a paper boy for the local newspaper. As a teenager, Donnie worked for the National Tea grocery store.

He enlisted at a tender age in the U.S. Army during the era of Vietnam, serving there 1967-69 under the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment – Blackhorse Division. Injured in conflict, Donnie received the Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star Medal awarded for achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. Sargeant Dunbar also received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Although he rarely talked about “Nam,” the ravages of that war remained with him. He would forever be a lover of solitude and the tranquility offered in the wilderness.

An outdoorsman, lake life and the countryside called him. As a younger man, he worked at Shoepack Lake, accessed only by portage, as a roe collector for the DNR hatcheries. Over a few years, Donnie enjoyed a reclusive getaway at his property on Gannon Lake which offered a rustic escape deep in the inner country. He married Toni Valentine in 1981 and they created their current home along the Rat Root River in Ericsburg. And in his final months, they completed their dream cabin in a beautiful setting on Werner Lake, Ontario.

Donnie began work at the local paper mill on the yard crew, advancing to the Maintenance Dept. He would be among the hundreds who lost their jobs in the 1984 closing of Boise’s Insulite Division. This would be the start of new adventures for the couple and kids. It included some time in Texas and a 1986 move to North Carolina where he worked for Hunter Jersey Farms dairy plant. But Minnesota beckoned the family back. Donnie then joined the Maintenance Dept. at Voyageurs National Park. He excelled in the trade of pipe fitting, and later returned to the Maintenance Dept. at Boise where he finished his career in 2011.

He made friends without effort and they were glad to see him coming. Donnie’s easy chuckle was unmistakable and he loved a good stunt. He also had his cowboy days and convincingly fit the part. He was neat, liked things organized, and was fussy about detail. Children liked him and he liked them. He gave generously to his community including Ericsburg events, and helping those with special needs experience fishing. Donnie always had a dog, and his much-loved pets “Bug” and “Archie” are among those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by brothers, David Dunbar and Kirk Dunbar; father, Wallace Dunbar; and in-laws, Mike Valentine, Donna and Jim Valentine.

Survivors include wife Toni; mother, Jacquelyn (Floyd) Christianson, of International Falls; daughters, Leah Dunbar, of Minneapolis, Christa St. Peter, and Kori (Colin) Milroy of Chicago; brother, Jeff (Shelly) Dunbar, of the Falls; sisters, Faye Whitbeck, of Ranier and Cindy (Greg) Kraemer. of Hutchinson. He leaves behind grandchildren, Caleb, George, Frances, Niko and Kira as well as several nieces and nephews. The family extends warm appreciation to the nurses and doctors at Rainy Lake Medical Center, and St. Mary’s Medical Center for their skilled and compassionate care.

Memorials for Donnie may be directed to Borderland Humane Society or other desired charity.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Green-Larsen Mortuary.