Obit: Nye, Donald Ray “Donnie” (1946 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Nye, Pankratz, Bobb, Lin

----Source: THORP COURIER 17 Jun 2020

Nye, Donald Ray “Donnie” (10 AUG 1946 – 6 JUN 2020)

Donald "Donnie" Ray Nye of Newport, MN, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on June 6, 2020, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Donnie was born on August 10, 1946, to Melvin "Bud" and Irene (Pankratz) Nye in Huron, WI. He moved to Thorp as a small child and grew up there. He attended St. Hedwig's grade school and graduated from Thorp High School in 1964. Donnie was a star athlete in baseball, basketball and football. His basketball team made the playoffs during the 1963-64 season and he finished his football career as co-captain of the number one team in the state.

Donnie married his high school sweetheart, Anita Bobb, on November 27, 1965. He was drafted into the army in May 1966 during the Vietnam war. After finishing training in Missouri and Virginia, he spent the rest of his army days in Berlin, Germany. They had three children: the first one born in Germany and the other two in Minnesota.


After his tour of duty, he worked at North Star Steel as a general foreman in St Paul, MN for 26 years and Cannon Conveyor in Rosemount, MN until his retirement in 2012.

Donnie enjoyed all sports, was an avid Packer fan, and loved watching his children and grandchildren in their activities. He spent time fishing from Wisconsin to Alaska, worked in his yard and gardens, made homemade caramels for family and friends, and enjoyed a good game of cards.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Anita, of 54 years; his three sons: Kent (Becky), Bradley (Lori), and Samuel (Jessie); his nine grandchildren: Jessica, Nicole, Sarah, Alisha, Makayla, Jadyn, Zackary, Clara, and Grace; his sister, Bonnie (Dave); sister-in-law, Carolyn; brother-in- law, Daniel (Lin); their families, many cousins and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; and brother, Dennis.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials can be sent to Camp Croix-Danbury, WI, St. Croix Lutheran Academy-West St. Paul, MN, or Grace Lutheran Church- South St. Paul, MN.