Donald Narlock

Donald Narlock, 54, of Warren, MN, died on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND with his wife and children at his side along with several family members.

Donald Harry Narlock was born on December 20, 1966, in Warren, to Sylvester and LaVonne (Rustan) Narlock. He was raised on the family farm just west of town and graduated from Warren High School in 1985. He enrolled at the AVTI in East Grand Forks and became acquainted with a certain young lady, twin sister to his roommate's girlfriend. After reading a promising horoscope (the first and last time he checked his horoscope!) and a few past near-misses, Donald finally asked her on a serious date on October 8, 1988. They were engaged on December 23, 1988 (when you know, you know!) and were united in marriage on November 11, 1989, in St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stephen, MN.

They made their home briefly in Grand Forks before returning to Warren. In 1995, upon his parents' retirement, Donald and his young family moved out to the Narlock farm to continue his life's work. He would take his father's place on the Warrenton Township Board and “moved over one room” from his childhood bedroom as the new owner of the house. He loved farming and fatherhood. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1998. Don was active in his community: he served on the Warren Volunteer Ambulance Corps (1994-2015), was a Knights of Columbus field agent (2000-2010, receiving the Family of the Year award in 2005), a member of the WAO School Board (2010-present), and was a song leader in his parish for over 30 years. Always a faithful Catholic, Donald's connection to Christ and the Virgin Mary was strengthened tenfold after a family trip to Medjugorjie.

Donald was known for the many other connections he fostered. When he was diagnosed with cancer (which came back again and again) he understood that it wasn't just a cross to be carried, but a tool to spread the faith: a lesson he learned from his mother and father. He offered up his sufferings for others, was a great encourager, and was willing to talk to anyone, no matter how healthy he felt at the time. One connection Donald was especially proud of was rebuilding the bond between the Narlocks and the family of Larry Kinler, Syl's wartime partner who was killed in combat. Through Donald's perseverance and leap of faith, Syl was able to tell the family about their brother and the debt the Narlock family owed to them: they keep in close contact to this day.

Donald will be remembered as a faithful man, a loving husband and father, a generous brother, and a hard worker (we can't forget that he also took any opportunity to joke around).

Donald is survived by his wife of 31 years, the love of his life, Denelle; his children, Wade (Stacy Opp), Dara, and Braden Narlock; siblings, Diane (Brian) Rokke of Newfolden, MN, Jerry (Connie) Narlock of Eagan, MN, Carol (John) Novacek, Dean (Annabelle) Narlock, Janice (Todd) Mortimer all of Warren, and Darrel (Amanda) Narlock of Fargo, ND; in-laws, Larry and Doris Nelson of Stephen; twin-sister-in-law, Denese and Randy Nicholls and their son, Dylan of Warren; Denelle's siblings, Reynold (Donna) Nelson, Michelle (Randy) Lindquist, and Lynelle (Jeff) Hanson; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Memorials are preferred to the St. Gianna's Maternity Home, Warsaw, ND.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL (not open to the general public): on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 2:00 PM, in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Warren, MN.
A RECORDING of the Mass is available here: https://www.facebook.com/DuBoreFuneralHome/videos/2796973287220546
VISITATION: Wednesday, January 27, at Sts. Peter & Paul, Warren.
VISITATION for the Community: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
VISITATION for his Extended Family: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
INTERMENT: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Warren, MN.