Donald Denowh

Donald Francis Denowh was born to Harvey Gayle Denowh and Ruth May Kaiser on February 29, 1956 in Billings, Montana. Donald's father Harvey passed away when he was two years old. His mother remarried and Donald became a big brother to five siblings. His stepfather's work placed them in various places from Minnesota to several Montana towns eventually settling in Sidney.

When Donald was embarking on his teen years, his uncle Russ invited him to spend a summer working on the Gartner Denowh Angus Ranch. He loved ranch life so much that he stayed and was raised by Uncle Russ and his Aunt Pat alongside their six children. While living on the ranch he was active in the local 4H chapter. He graduated from Sidney Senior High School with the class of 1974. After graduation, he moved to Billings where he attended automotive school for 4 years. Upon his completion of his automotive studies, he returned home to Sidney and later started his own business Denowh Sand and Gravel.

In February of 1979 his eyes fell upon 16 year old Teri Michelle Oostermeyer and they eventually married on June 27, 1981. After the birth of their first daughter in 1983, they then moved to Billings the following year where Donald worked for Long Construction and then Precision Power Trains. Later, Donald and Teri moved their family to Idaho Falls, Idaho. While in Idaho, he worked for Steve Jenkins at Steve's Repair. In 1989 their twin daughters were hatched. In 1994, a new job opportunity was presented to Donald which included a move back to Billings and the family has resided there since. In Billings, he gravitated towards working on heavy equipment at Knife River, Hanser's Automotive and later retiring from Tractor & Equipment Co in 2019.

As a newlywed, Donald was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. For several years, he managed his chronic disease with manual insulin injections. Later, a medical provider introduced him to his first insulin pump. After that, each time a new version of the insulin pump was released, he jumped to upgrade his current one because it was automated. He found a whole new freedom managing his diabetes and did so the rest of his life. In 2019, his right hip fractured while he was at work. Several surgeries followed to stabilize his right hip and leg after a new diagnosis of osteoporosis. This forced him into early retirement.

His favorite pastime hobbies included fast cars, drinking beer…lots of beer, spending time with family and friends, taking airplane rides, putting his toes in the water, ass in the sand, without a worry in the world and a cold beer in his hand while on his Cancun Mexico vacation. For Christmas one year, his daughters surprised him with a Rusty Wallace racing experience at International Pikes Peak Raceway in Colorado. He drove that car like a pro and he just relished in it. All of his girls were so proud of him. He owned several performance cars over the years, the last being a 2014 Camaro SS, red with black racing stripes and aptly named HETMZR (Heatmiser). He enjoyed sharing his automotive knowledge over the years with family and friends and assisted with many projects.

He was lifted up on angel's wings March 21, 2025 after a recent health issue. He was a man of faith, strong work ethic, devoted to his family and a friend to many. He touched many lives and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Ruth; his grandparents Naomi and Julius Denowh, Henry and Ruth Kaiser; his second set of parents Russell and Patricia Denowh; his baby brother James Rogers; his mother in law Joy Oostermeyer; his brother in law Norman Torgerson; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate Teri; his daughters Chantel, Chelsea and Hilary (Page); siblings John (Teresa) Rogers, Jerry (Lynette) Rogers, Jack (Chin Lan) Rogers, Jill Torgerson; Russ and Pat's children Gail (Tom) Lehman, Mick (Debbie) Denowh, Loretta (Jim) Vitt, Pam (Rick) Wyman, Chris (Roger) Hystad and Paul (Tracy) Denowh along with their families; brother in law Tony (Kris) Oostermeyer; father in law Bob Oostermeyer; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In time, his ashes will be scattered across Gartner Denowh Angus Ranch per his wishes. RIP Daddy and YEE-HAW till we meet again.