Donald David (Gulseth) Tanner, was born February 15, 1947 in Faribault, MN. His father was killed in WW2 and his mother gave him up for adoption for she couldn’t raise him on her own. The Tanner’s adopted him and raised him in Minneapolis, MN.
Donald enjoyed playing hockey outside in the rinks & football with a leather helmet. He graduated from high school and joined the Army. He served in Vietnam for 1.5 years and then came back home. Donald did several different things from sheering sheep, farmwork, to even a truck driver. Donald met the love of his life, Savannah and he helped raise her children in Dickinson, ND. After her passing, he decided to move to Fargo.
After his retirement, he just couldn’t stop working. He decided to work part-time at the VA Hospital. Donald was just recently told that he was the oldest employee at the VA Hospital in Fargo. He was very proud of that!
Donald was an avid animal lover, and he enjoyed feeding the birds that visited the VA for years. Even when it was cold outside, he would go out to feed the birds. He also enjoyed feeding the rabbits that visited his back yard. His love for animals was special and one of his favorite things were to give dog treats especially for the service dogs at the VA. He always carried treats in his backpack. He also always carried Dum Dum suckers for the little kids who he would come upon that were crying at the store. He would cheer them up by giving them a lollipop or by giving them a quarter!
Donald was also a sports fanatic, and he knew every score of the yesterday’s games including the Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, all of MN college games, and lately the “Big Dance” College. His favorite band was “The Rolling Stones”.
Don enjoyed his time with Carlo, Miguel, Yazzie Jr., and Daniel Reimer whom he would call “The Boys.” He always made sure that everyone was always taken care of. He would wake up in the morning and tell Teddy “I’m ready for my coffee.”
Don was so happy to see how everyone grew up and especially so proud that he had a lot of grandchildren. The grandbabies always made his day when the called him “grandpa.” Don would always be sure that he said goodbye by saying “I love you more.’ That will always be s memory that will never be forgotten along with his big smile. Donald was a true friend to all those his kind and had a true gentle spirit. We will miss making him his cup if coffee.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Andrietta (Ted) Siers of Mandaree, ND, and Lucy Touchine of Dickinson, ND; Eighteen grandchildren; and Sixteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Savannah Touchine; his sons, Yazzie Touchine Jr., Carlo Touchine, and Miguel Touchine; his daughters, Kimberly Touchine, and Lucinda Touchine.