Joseph D. Bristow, 94

Joseph Donald Bristow, known as Don to all who knew him, was born March 26, 1927, at the Rosebud Hospital in Rosebud, SD. He was the seventh child of Sarah (Mahaney) and Mortimer Bristow and the only one born in South Dakota. His six siblings, Lloyd, Francis, Leone, Claire, Darlene, and Robert, were born in Iowa. Don passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 15, 2021 in Valentine. Don attended school in Todd

Don attended school in Todd County, skipping fourth grade. He was always at the top of his class and graduated valedictorian in 1944. He spent all of his life in the home he grew up in except for the last year and a half of his 94 years.

Don was a farmer at heart, loving his old John Deere 60. He farmed full time until age 30 when he got a job as office manager of the local ASCS office in Mission, SD. When the local office closed, he took the same job in Winner, SD retiring in 1987. He continued farming and ranching in addition to his office job until age 90. He then sold most of the cattle, but kept a few back reluctant to give it up completely.

In May of 1957, Don wed Donna Cate in Parmelee, SD. To this union ten children were born: Patrick of Georgia and son, Donald; Michele of Minnesota and children: Kristin, Kimberly, Michael, and Kelly; Joseph (Michele) of Washington, Roger (Karen) of Arizona and children: Aeoleone, Aiden, and Evan; Robert (Jeanie) of Arizona and children Alyssa, Michaela, Kendra, and Shayla; Mary (Mark) of Virginia and children: Asa, Lauren, Joseph, Kayla, Emilie, and Allyson; Margaret (Bob) of Valentine and children Jamie and Lucas; Monica of Lincoln and daughter Mercedes; Anthony (Kelly) of Arizona and children: Matthew, Tyler, Sarah, and Ryan; and Jennifer (Brian) of South Dakota and daughter Piper. All are surviving along with 15 great grandchildren. Also surviving is a very special couple, Bonnie and Jack Needham of Missouri and their children Calana, Marcola, Lano, and Maya. Don also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Don spent two years in the army. His basic training was in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Seeing the St. Louis Cardinals was the bright spot of his time spent there. The last part of his tour was in Germany as a dental technician. He received an Army of Occupation medal for serving in occupied Germany post WWII.

He was an avid sports fan, warming the bleachers at Todd County sporting events for over 70 years. He seldom missed watching a Green Bay Packers or New York Yankees game. He also bowled and played ping pong. Woodworking was his passion. He was a man of few words, and remained sharp to the end.

Services were held on Thursday, May 27 at 2:00 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. Burial with full military honors at Mt. Hope Cemetery followed. Holmes Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.