Obituary of Don Tucker

TUCKER DON

Don Tucker, 77, of Yankton passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Jeff Otterman officiating.  The burial of Don’s cremated remains will be later.  Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD with a Scripture service and Memory Share at 7:00 PM.  Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Donald Lee Tucker, born Donald Leroy Morrow on August 17, 1947, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and accomplishment. He and his sister, Jan Staniech had the good fortune of being adopted by Howard and Alice Tucker in November 1952. The family lived in Panama until relocating to Yankton, South Dakota, where Don thrived both academically and athletically, excelling in sports and participating in the Teener Baseball team that traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1962 and 1963 for the National Tournament.

After graduating from Yankton High School in 1965, Don attended South Dakota State University. He married Ava Hansen on October 14, 1967, and embarked on a successful career in computer programming. His journey began in sales, but his passion for technology led him back to college where he earned his degree in computer sciences, in which he excelled. He was later recruited by the South Dakota Governor to modernize the states drivers' licenses, vehicle plates, and state payroll systems. After seven years with the state, he and the family moved to Sioux Falls, working for John Morrell and later co-founding Spectrum Management Services followed by joining American Western Corporation. Don was at the forefront of programming innovations, contributing to systems still in use today, such as airline ticketing, and warehouse management/ inventory and earned recognition in Who’s Who in America.

In 1983 the family moved to an acreage near Yankton. When asked what he was raising out there, he’d respond FUN! It was important to Don and Ava that the kids attend Yankton Public School and live life on an acreage that he drove to Sioux Falls for work daily for many years.  

 In 2000, Don retired and embraced his father’s passion for raising exotic animals at the family acreage east of Yankton, which included llamas, goats, donkeys and all kinds of foul. Don supplied eggs to anyone he wanted. His favorite dogs were Tupper, Babe, and Mac. He also had a pet goat Dave that he could be seen walking around Memorial Park.

A significant reunion with his birth family occurred in the spring of 2019, bringing joy and connection to his life.

Don’s passion for golf started in college, Through the years Don had multiple holes-in-one and won numerous tournaments, including the Yankton City Senior Golf Championship in 2004 and 2006. During his golf career he obtained a 3 handicap for a short time. For many years he traveled to various golf courses across the states with his golf core of friends. He taught his children to play the sport at a young age at Westward Ho and continued he’s teaching through his grandsons at Fox Run and Hillcrest, and FaceTime when he couldn’t be there in person.

 His love for speed was evident in his ownership of Corvettes, which he proudly drove while commuting to Sioux Falls. Donald and Ava enjoyed snowbirding in Surprise, Arizona, where he played golf daily and made friends from across the U.S., Canada, and England. While in AZ. During retirement Don went back to working with his passion for art.  He spent countless hours is the Metal and Art Studio creating wall hangings and charcoal sketches. In 2022 he won Best of Show at the Yankton County Open Class Division for his Charcoal Horse sketch.

He actively supported youth programs as a Cub Scout leader and Little League coach, cherishing moments spent horseback riding, snowmobiling, water skiing, downhill skiing and vacationing with loved ones. A devoted fan of the Yankton Bucks and Gazelles, he was honored as Fan of the Year in 2021, reflecting his deep commitment to the local youth sports community.

Don was a member of various community organizations including, Trinity Lutheran Church, YHS Quarterback Club, YHS Booster, Mount Marty Booster, Yankton Concert Series, Meade Museum, and life member of the Elks and the Center. He also joined the Masons and Shrine at age 21, embracing a life of service and fellowship.

Happy to call him Dad are his three children: James Tucker, Yankton, Jon (Patty) Tucker, Lincoln NE,  and Melissa (Jason) Foss Cross Roads TX. Extremely Proud Papa and Gramps to Morgan Tucker and her son Ryker, Gavin Tucker all of Lincoln NE. Tucker (Jenna) Foss and their son Lucas, Boyd TX, Hunter (Emilyn) Foss USN Bangor, WA and Anthony Galo, Bloomington MN.  Proud to call him Uncle Don, two cherished nieces and their spouses, Jennifer (Trevor) Slate and Brenda (Dave) Warfel. His newly found siblings, Mary Yoder, Flint Mi, Dollie Bailey, NC, Sandy Edwards, NC, James Edwards NC and their spouses

Happy to be his partner in marriage for almost 57 years is his wife Ava who will be happy to share the heavenly life in God’s time.

Don was preceded through heaven’s gates by his firstborn grandson, TJ Tucker; his sister, Jan (Tucker) Staniech; his parents; and several other siblings.

His legacy of love, passion, and commitment to family and community will be forever cherished by all who knew him.