Timothy Donley

Timothy Donley, 74 of Fergus Falls died Friday, November 29, 2019, at his home peacefully with loved ones.

Timothy James Donley was born on May 17, 1945, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota the son of James and Dorothy (Gunderson) Donley.  He was a graduate from Breckenridge High School in 1963.

He enlisted in the US Army on September 16, 1963 and served until his Honorable Discharge on September 15, 1966, serving in 1964 and 1965 in Vietnam, with the 114th Aviation Company “Knights of the Air”, as a helicopter Crew Chief and a Gunner, where Tim received numerous medals for valor and heroism, including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.  The highest award that can be bestowed on an individual by the Republic of Vietnam.   After his discharge he attended Wahpeton Science School.  He worked various endeavors, until starting his thirty- year career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, working in Breckenridge, McCook, Aberdeen and then fourteen years in Ft. Worth, Texas.  He retired July 4, 2007 and returned home to Minnesota on July 5th.  Tim enjoyed outdoor activities and had a fondness for Harley Davidson’s, building hotrods, a piece of chocolate cake and a great cup of coffee.

Tim is survived by his companion, Nancy White; his brother, Mike Donley of Ft. Wayne, IN; sister, Patty (Randy) Swift of West Fargo, ND; two sons, Jay (Donna) Donley of Mapleton, ND and Mitchell (Lee) Donley of Fargo, ND; daughter, Emily Belle Donley of Ft. Worth, TX; four grandchildren, Mason, Devyn, Jayden and Garrett; and numerous relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Donley.

Memorial Service: 1:00 PM, Friday, December 6, 2019, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Military Honors: Harold T. Swenson VFW Post #612 and American Legion Post #30 of Fergus Falls.

Interment: St. James Catholic Cemetery, rural Underwood

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Fergus Falls

Condolences:GlendeNilson.com

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