Doran H. Jetson, 80, Williston, passed away at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home, Williston on Friday evening, Aug. 28, 2009.

Funeral services are at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Grenora. The Rev. David Halaas and intern pastor Dana Lockhart are co-officiating. Interment will be at the Grenora Cemetery.

Doran was born on Oct. 14, 1928, in Grenora to Morris and Myrtle (Thomas) Jetson. He was raised and educated at Grenora and Stanley. He served with honors in the United States Army and was raised to the rank of private first class.

He was inducted into the service on Jan.16, 1951 at Minot and was discharged Dec. 10, 1952, at Camp Rucker, Ala.

In the early years, Doran was building bridges and depots for the Great Northern Railroad. The smell of mountain pine beckoned him to become self employed as a post cutter in Lincoln. He spent a dozen years reaping the benefits of fresh air and freedom. Doran eventually found himself back in Dakota country, working alongside those in the oil field. Retirement finally rolled around and he enjoyed home life with his garden and tinkering. Mondays found him among his friends at the Moose Lodge sharing a story of “The Old Days." Jokes and smiles were his M.O. and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He spent over 54 years with his wife, Doris and loved her dearly. They married in Glasgow on July 15, 1955. He is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Dori (John) Swokowski, Poulsbo, Wash.; his grandchildren, Thad Thomas, currently serving in the military in Japan, Shannon Thomas, Williston, Andy Swokowski, Olympia, Wash., and Sonya Swokowski, Poulsbo, Wash.; three sisters, Lorene (Lyle) Johnson, Portland, LaVonne (Howard) Nice, Minot and Dorsey (Mario) Pagano, Bellingham, Wash., and many nieces and nephews who meant the world to him as well.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and his brother, Jevi.

Doran will be missed and always remembered with humor and much love.

Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home, Williston on Wednesday from 1-5 p.m., on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Friday until 11 a.m. and one hour before services at the church in Grenora. Friends may share their memories and condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.