Donald Fandrich Obituary

Donald Samuel Fandrich, aged 91, passed away on March 14, 2025, after a short illness. Donald was a beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be sorely missed.

Born in a sod house in Carrington, ND, Donald was the eldest of 15 children. His father was a farmer and many of his siblings continued this tradition. One of Don’s favorite farming stories was how he was tasked to gather cattle every evening. They had two draft horses, and he would ride one bareback while the other tagged along. He and the horses had to cross a creek, and Don said there were many
times he could not stop that horse from rolling in the water, and he would end up getting home soaked.

Donald left the farm in 1953 with his brother to work in a munitions factory in Minneapolis. At that time jobs were hard to find, so Donald and Herbert stood in line at a job recruitment o/ice. While waiting their turn to enter the building, two men approached and said that if they wanted work to follow him. They went to an o/ice where another man gave them a job in a munitions factory, unloading and moving empty shells that weighed about 75 lbs. each. Don often wondered why this fellow approached him and Herb, but thinks they must have looked like sturdy young men.

Leaving the farm made them eligible for the draft, so Donald joined the United States Air Force. After 10 years of service, he retired and eventually joined the Georgia Air National Guard’s 165th Tactical Air Group. He served over 30 years with the 165th. Donald had a remarkable talent for mechanics; if it had an engine, he could make it run. He often repaired others’ boat motors and cars for a small fee or a case of beer in his younger days. He passed on his talent for repairing things to his children. Donald loved learning, even picking up Pamela’s college calculus book once, reading it, and then helping her solve the problem she had struggled with. He also loved woodworking. He made many gifts and furniture and would spend hours in his shop.

Donald was married for 31 years to Gwendolyn Kasson Fandrich, until her passing in 1988. Together, Donald and Gwendolyn had five children: Dennis Russell, Douglas Allen (deceased), Kenneth Samuel, Kevin James, and Pamela Louise. They all moved to Richmond Hill in 1967.

After his first wife’s passing, Donald met and fell in love with Mattie Widener Kimbrel. They were married in March of 1990, and had just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary a few days before his death. Donald’s life became fuller and his family even larger, and he loved every minute of it.

Donald was preceded in death by his son, Douglas. Donald is survived by his wife, Mattie; his children: Dennis, Kenneth, Kevin (Ginni), and Pamela; her children: Charles (Edwina), Phillip (Michelle) and Regina (Ricky); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donald’s best piece of advice: Do what you love, and happiness will be yours.

In lieu of flowers, the families ask that donations in memory of Donald be made to Hospice Savannah Foundation, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416 or First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill, 9184 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA 31324. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Richmond Hill Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.