Our beloved Don passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Woodwinds hospital, at the age of 91. Don was very active in his Inver Grove Heights community and his church. His faith and family were his top priority.
Don was born on August 25, 1930 in Mankato, Minnesota to Owen L. and Mabel Roberts. He grew up in Lake Crystal, MN and graduated from LCHS in 1948. He attended Mankato State University, and transferred to Augsburg College, where he graduated in 1952. He enlisted in the US Air Force. After the service, he began his teaching career back in Lake Crystal where he taught science and math and coached basketball and football.
On December 20, 1958, he married Ardi. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for almost 63 years. In 1959, Don received a National Science Foundation Scholarship to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his Master’s degree in Education. In August of 1960, they moved to Inver Grove Heights, MN where Don became part of the original Simley High School faculty and continued to teach and coach at Simley for the next 27 years.
Following his retirement from Simley, he joined the football and basketball staffs at Bethel University, where he coached for an additional 12 years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Deloris and Wally Jones, niece Pam More, nephew Doug Jones, and 2 angel granddaughters Caitlin Locklear and Kelsey Tompkins.
Don is survived by his wife, Ardi, daughters Dawn (Bruce) Locklear, Debi (Eric) Tompkins, 4 grandchildren: Brittany (Jim) McGurran, Bethany (Trent) Sherman, Kyle Tompkins and Courtney Tompkins, and 3 great grandchildren: Katelyn and Clare McGurran and Will Sherman, and 5 special nieces and their families.
Visitation will be at Mt. Bethel Church, 3239 70th St. E, IGH on Friday, November 19 from 4-8:00 pm.
Funeral Service is Saturday, November 20 at 1:00 pm at Simley High School, 2920 80th St E, IGH, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.
Memorials preferred to: BEST Foundation for Simley High School Scholarships, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or Mt. Bethel Church.
Masks are required.