Donald Myron Jahner "Fats," of Linton, passed away on February 25th, 2025, at the Baptist Health Care Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, at the age of 77. A memorial service to celebrate Don's life will be held at 11:00 AM on March 5th, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Linton, North Dakota, with Pastor Cook officiating. Burial will occur at the Hazelton Cemetery with military honors provided by the North Dakota National Guard and The Emmons County Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Don was born on April 11th, 1947, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Joseph and Bertha (Humann) Jahner. He was the ninth child born into a family of ten boys. Don enjoyed telling stories of his childhood and the rambunctious actions of a large family. He attended Hazelton High School where he excelled in various athletic activities such as baseball, football, and basketball. Don graduated from Hazelton in 1966.

He proudly served as a medic in the United States Army, achieving the rank of SP4 (T) and receiving the Good Conduct Medal (1st Award) and National Defense Service Medal.

In the early 1970s, Don and his brothers started a powerline construction company called JB Construction. For years, he enjoyed the friendship of coworkers, which led to endless memories. After retirement, Don found his true calling: owning and operating Don's Motel for over thirty years. His "gift to gab" welcomed everyone into his establishment.

Don was a devoted partner to Patricia Huber for 34 years. He cared for Pat and her two daughters, Lori and Kathryn, as if they were his own. Later, they added two sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren to their unique family unit.

Together, Don and Pat built a beautiful life at the motel, welcoming friends and strangers alike into their kitchen with a smile, a cup of coffee, and a visit. Don didn't care if you were rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart, and he will give you his.

Don will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his family: Kathryn and her husband Terry Holzer of Linton, North Dakota, and Kelly Kalama of Temple, Texas, Lukas (Jennifer) Holzer, Morgan (Rylan) Jacob, Payton (Landon Schneider) Holzer, Gracyn Holzer, Rafe Kalama, Gabriel Kalama, Harper and Paisley Holzer, Jettsen Jacob, and Hudson Schneider. His brothers: Robert Jahner, Kenny (Evelyn) Jahner, Wes (Judy) Jahner, Wayne Jahner, Harvey (Nancy) Jahner, and his sisters-in-law: Sandy (John) Hendrickson, Shelva Lutz, and Lona Lutz.

Don was preceded in death by Pat's daughter Lori Pohanka-Kalama, one infant great-grandson, Holden Terry Schneider, his parents Joseph and Bertha Jahner, brothers Jim Jahner, Larry Jahner, Leroy Jahner, and Melvin Jahner, and sisters-in-law: Rosetta, Karen, Hilda and Darlene.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Baptist Health Care Center for the kindness

and love they showed Don and Pat while they were residents.