Donald Dean Dubbe was born February 25, 1926 to Emil and Dora Dubbe in Humboldt, South Dakota. He passed away January 23, 2026, 99 years and 11 months old.

Don spent his active childhood in Humboldt. After his graduation from Humboldt High School, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He participated in the Battle of Luzon, which liberated the Philippines from Japan. He received numerous medals for his service. Don, a member of the American Legion, was always extremely proud of being a United States Army veteran.

Upon returning to the United States after the war, he enrolled at South Dakota State College, earning a degree in biology and education. He remained a proud Jackrabbit for the rest of his life.

Don began his teaching career in numerous small towns in eastern South Dakota. He and Norma Hartman married May 31, 1953. They welcomed Cindy, their only child, to their family on March 5, 1955.

The family moved to Sturgis in 1957. Don taught biology at Sturgis High School until his retirement in May of 1986. In addition to teaching, he was the yearbook advisor, ran the scoreboard for football games, and also worked at the scorer’s table for basketball games and wrestling matches. Don and Norma were very active in Sturgis High School activities because they believed that getting to know their students on many levels was an essential part of being educators. Don was inducted into the Sturgis Brown High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021 for his contributions.

After retiring from teaching, Don worked for Bub’s Golf Cars as a cart mechanic. He loved traveling to area golf courses and keeping their carts in good running order. Don also was able to enjoy his favorite hobby of golf with his friends Barry, Leo, Don W., and Duane on an almost daily basis. He especially loved golfing in scrambles with his son-in-law and grandsons.

Don’s other hobby was taking care of his yard and garden. He could often be seen mowing and doing work well into his 90s.

After Norma’s death in 1998, Don began playing bridge with long-time friend Laverne Elliott. A great friendship bloomed from those bridge games. Don and Laverne spent many hours together dining out, attending civic events, and driving through the Black Hills.

Don truly epitomizes a life well-lived.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma, special friend Laverne, nine siblings, and many close friends.

Don is survived by his daughter Cindy (Joe) Shetler, grandson, Bill (Natalie), grandson Brad (Nicci), great grandsons Lucas, Bryson, and Tyler, great granddaughter Samantha, younger brother Robert (Nona), numerous nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends.

Memorials for Don may be directed to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry. Don was a Shriner’s Kid as a young boy, and he always had a special place in his heart for that care. Don was long-time member of the Golden K Kiwanis group, which manages the food pantry in Sturgis.

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