Donald Babitzke, 98, of Wishek, ND, died April 7, 2026, at South Central Health, Wishek. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at St. Luke Cemetery.

Donald was born August 1, 1927, to Christian and Sophia (Herr) Babitzke. He attended rural grade school near Danzig ND, and in 1941 he moved with his family to a farm nine miles southwest of Wishek. He attended Wishek High School and after graduation taught in area rural schools until joining the armed forces, first with the National Guard and then on active duty in Korea. He started in Artillery and was transferred to Infantry where he earned a Combat Infantry Badge and two Battle Stars. He earned the rank of Master Sergeant and led two platoons. After being discharged in 1953, he began farming on the family farm. On October 6, 1956, he married Arla Finger.

Donald and Arla continued to farm on the family farm southwest of Wishek for 13 years. Donald was appointed postmaster of the Wishek Post Office in 1969 and they moved into Wishek, residing on Badger Street. Donald retired from the postal service in September 1990. They enjoyed traveling and took many vacations to see their extended family throughout the United States. Donald and Arla moved to an apartment at the Wishek Living Center in November 2014. Arla passed away on July 20, 2018.

Donald is survived by his children, Joel (Tammy) Babitzke, Murphy, NC, Scott Babitzke, Mandan, ND and Tammie (Keith) Yapp, Sartell, MN; grandchildren, Joshua (Claire) Yapp, Jacob Yapp, Alyssa (Samuele) Cherubini, Katrina Babitzke and Katia Babitzke; and brother-in-law, Duane (Bev) Finger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Arla; son, Glenn Allen; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Babitzke; and siblings, Douglas (Terry) Babitzke, Yvonne (Marv) Aasen and Louise (Jim) Bobzin.