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Rapid City – Donald John Wandler, 83, died Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Monument Health Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Donald John Wandler was born May 11, 1941 to Florian and Monica (Wanner) Wandler in New England, North Dakota. Ronald, Don's twin brother was born 90 minutes earlier.

Donald and his three brothers (Kenneth, Ron and Bruce) grew up in Dickinson, North Dakota. Donald and Ron graduated from Dickinson High School in 1959. For a graduation gift, their parents paid for a motorcycle trip to visit their older brother, Kenneth, who was serving in the Navy at Whidbey Island, Washington.

Donald attended Dickinson State College and graduated with a degree in Commerce in 1965. During college Don was nicknamed "Happy". After college, he joined the Army and served for 3 years. On August 19, 1967, Donald married his college sweetheart, Lydia Vallejo. Their marriage produced two sons, Aaron and Damian.

Donald's career at the Internal Revenue Service spanned 35 years. During his service, they lived in San Francisco, Portland, Pendleton, Minot, Fargo, North Platte and Rapid City, just to name a few places.

Don and Lydia retired and settled in Rapid City. Every summer, they would travel to Culbertson, Montana to help Lydia's sister and her husband on their farm.

For 50 years, wherever they lived, Don and Lydia engaged in pro life activism to change the laws and build a culture of life for the unborn.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, their two sons, Aaron and Damian (Jacque), four grandchildren, Julianna, Mato, Maya and Oliver, his twin brother, Ron (Mary Ana) his younger brother, Bruce (Donna) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Donald will be remembered for living his life as St. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."

Visitation will be Thursday, February 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a Wake/Rosary Service at 6:30 pm at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Burial Service will be Friday, February 21 at 1:30 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors. Funeral Mass will be at 2:30pm at the funeral home.

Arrangements with www.osheimschmidt.com