Donald Lietz Sr, 92

In Loving Memory of

Donald O. Lietz Sr.

Aug. 5th, 1932 – July 7th, 2025

A stubbornly good man who could outwork the sunrise and out-charm a grizzly.

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“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

We’ll miss your laugh, your strength, and the way you made everyone feel like family.

Donald O. Lietz Sr. was born on August 5, 1932, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to Otto and Florence Lietz. At just eight months old, he headed west to Eastern Montana, settling in the Plentywood and Scobey area where he built the foundation for a life of grit, heart, and humor.

He graduated from Scobey High School and spent his high school summers working on his uncle’s wheat farm in Outlook, Montana. 

That early work ethic would follow him into every corner of his life.

Moving to Martin City Montana in 1950, where he began a lifelong affair with the outdoors, big machinery, and the occasional stubborn pine tree. Don helped clear trees for the creation of the Hungry Horse Reservoir and later helped build the Hungry Horse Dam as an ironworker.  His adventures took him to Page, Arizona, to work on the Glen Canyon Dam because one dam just wasn’t enough.

Don married his first wife, Viola Cheff, who passed far too early. 

In March 1961, Don married the love of his life, Karen, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and a few lovingly sarcastic exchanges. 

In 1963, they returned to Martin City and raised four children Kim, Donnie, Bob, and Val, in a home filled with love, laughter, and the occasional chainsaw.

He later joined the family business, Lietz Logging, where he mastered the art of turning towering trees into timber and more than a few tall tales. His work ethic was legendary, matched only by his love for his family, his community, and a good cup of coffee at sunrise.  Don retired from logging in 1992. But retirement didn’t stick, he went on to work at the West Glacier Mercantile for the Lundgrens, officially retiring at 85.

Don had a smile for everyone, a joke for every occasion, and a sharp wit that never dulled. He loved bowling, playing cards, shooting pool, building houseboats (affectionately named Pickle Cutter), camping, and spending summers on Hungry Horse Reservoir. His granddaughters especially remember swimming at Abbot Bay while Don would sit and read his book while “supervising.”

Above all, Don was a man of strong faith. He loved the Lord and read his Bible faithfully. His legacy is one of joy, strength, humility, and a devotion to both his family and his faith.

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Survived by:

His loving wife of 64 years, Karen Lietz

Children: Kim, Donnie, Bob, and Val (Dion) Johnson

Sisters: Avis and Eileene

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren

And countless friends (Lisa Flynn), cousins, logging buddies, and anyone who ever got a grin and a handshake from him; leaving a legacy of strength, humor, and sawdust, and at least four chainsaws that probably still run like a dream.

Preceded in death by: 

Siblings: Carol (Keith) Buzzell, Glen Lietz, David Lietz, Connie (BJ) Micken, Virginia (Ken) Strowbridge

Parents: Otto and Florence Lietz

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Celebration of Life

August 2nd | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hungry Horse School

Potluck to follow — bring a dish and a memory.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Karen Lietz to help cover funeral costs

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“Don’t take life too seriously — work hard, love harder, and always make time for a good laugh (and maybe a cold beer).”