Donald "Don" Connor

Donald "Don" Connor, 86, of Waubay and formerly of Aberdeen, passed away, Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Sun Dial Manor in Bristol. Memorial Service will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 16, 2025 at American Lutheran Church in Webster. Memorial visitation will be one hour prior to memorial service. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Aberdeen at a later date.

Born on September 8, 1938, in Doland, SD, Don was the son of John and Helen (Brede) Connor. He grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship—qualities that would define his life and career.

Don met Pamela Murschel in early 1974 in Aberdeen, SD and they married on December 29th. Together they made their home in Aberdeen, where they welcomed a son, Shad, in 1976. Don founded Connor & Son Construction in 1976. As both owner and contractor, he built a reputation for quality work and dedication to his craft. Though he officially retired on September 11, 2001, Don never truly put down his tools. He continued to lend his skills to projects for family and friends well into his later years.

In 2007, Don fulfilled a long-held dream by building a retirement home for him and Pam on Blue Dog Lake in Waubay, SD. There he enjoyed the peace of lake life while continuing to stay active with hands-on projects.

In the summer, Don enjoyed fishing Blue Dog Lake and the Missouri River with his longtime friend, Dale. Don took considerable pride in cultivating an extensive vegetable garden each year. After harvest season ended, he and Pam spent many happy days canning together, a tradition that brought them joy. In his earlier years, Don looked forward to pheasant hunting with Shad.

During the winter months, Don could be found at the hockey rink. He was a dedicated supporter of his son Shad’s hockey games during Shad’s youth. That love of the sport carried into the next generation as he enthusiastically followed his grandsons’ hockey pursuits as well.

Don will be deeply missed by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Pamela Connor; his son Shad (Heidi) Connor of Horace, ND; two grandsons: Grant Connor of Horace, ND and Gavin Connor of Bozeman, MT; and nephew Troy (Deb) Keeley of Aberdeen, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dale.

May Don’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a lasting tribute to a life well lived.