Don Roberts

Don G. Roberts, 74, of Silver Bay, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.

He was born to Reuben and Linda (Nordlund) Roberts in Wadena on August 8, 1946.  Don grew up and attended school in New York Mills, and after high school worked at Lund Boat Company.

Don married Arlene Wilson in 1965 and they lived in Stanwood, WA for a brief time before moving to Silver Bay, MN in 1968. Don was a train operator for Reserve Mining until the shutdown.

In 1989, Don met Jane Harner and they were married on Oct. 20, 1991. They would have celebrated their 30th Anniversary in the fall. Don had various jobs in the area until Cypress/Northshore Mining reopened the plant where he worked from 1990 until he retired in 2007. He spent the last years of his retirement working on the railroad for VanHouse Construction.

Don enjoyed walking the Collies daily, watching the Vikings and Twins, and going to the gun range.

One of the highlights of Don's life was when his first grandson, Matthew, was born on his 60th birthday. He also enjoyed watching his children's high school activities and was proud of their accomplishments.

Don is preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene Roberts; his parents, Reuben and Linda Roberts; a sister, Gaye Barthel; a step-son, Shand Harner; and a nephew, David Roberts.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Roberts; children, Sean Harner, Shane (Denise) Harner, Sarah (Brian) Sprague; step-sons, Jeff (Jon Loidolt) Mammenga and Brian (Carol) Mammenga; grandchildren, Sydney, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Kylie, Madeline, Abigale, Matthew, Emily, Noah, Megan, Micah, and Diane; a great-grandson, Jett; sisters, Sandy (Leo) Barthel, Corinne (Ed) Mohs, and Gina (Dave) Paavola; brothers, Darwin (Jean) Roberts, Stephan (Bonnie) Roberts, Lynn (Pauline Voge) Roberts, and Mike (Kari) Roberts; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Private services were held at Cavallin Funeral Home in Two Harbors.