Don Chaffee

Don H. Chaffee, 59, of Wibaux, MT passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive, MT. In keeping with Don?s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place on his ranch northeast of Wibaux. Donald Hugh Chaffee was born on April 5, 1952, in Beach, ND the son of Donald B. and Florence Lucille (Zinda) Chaffee. He grew up on his parents? ranch northeast of Wibaux where he attended Wibaux Public Schools. Throughout high school Don was active in the local FFA Chapter. While in high school Don excelled in track. He continues to hold records he set at Wibaux High School. Don was the Salutatorian in the class of 1970. Following graduation Don attended Montana Tech in Butte where he majored in Civil Engineering. He would later attend Montana State University in Bozeman where he majored in Statistics with a minor in Math. After his graduation from MSU, Don moved to Helena where he worked for Montana Employment Service as a statistician. He would eventfully take a job with the National Farmers Organization. While working for the NFO, Don moved to Wolf Point. It was there that he met Diane June Shumway. Don and Diane were married on September 14, 1984. To this union two daughters, Lauren and Katelyn were born. Don followed his dream and with great passion returned to the family ranch where he worked with his father. Eventually he was able to fulfill his greatest achievement when he purchased the Wood Ranch along Beaver Creek northeast of Wibuax. It was his desire and dedication to his ranch that made him a good steward of his land. Don was very proud of his accomplishments he made while farming and ranching. It was with great pride when he was appointed to the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. He held this position until time spent traveling would take him from his daughters. His daughters were very important to him. Don enjoyed taking them fishing at the pond on the ranch and spending time with them at the cabin he built in the pines at Fort Peck. Don was proud to have his nephew Craig Helvik join him on the ranch along with Craig and Nina?s children, Cade and Ross whom he referred to as his ?Little Ranch Hands?. No one ever had to ask Don for help. If he knew you needed a hand he was there. He gave and never expected anything in return. His family meant everything to him. Those left to morn his passing are his two daughters, Lauren (Edward, and his son James) Anderson, Wibaux, MT and Katelyn Chaffee, Glendive, MT; his father, Donald Chaffee, Wibaux, MT; two sisters, Kitty Knapkewicz, Beach, ND and Sandy (Kim) Helvik, Wibaux, MT and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Don is preceded in death by his mother, Florence Chaffee, a brother-in-law, Gerald Knapkewicz and his paternal and maternal grandparents.


Burial Date: August 31, 2011
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Private Family Interment