Donald George Roberts

Donald George Roberts, 92, died of age-related causes on October 28, 2020 at his home in Cornelius, Oregon. Born May 31, 1928 at the family farmstead  in Benson, Minnesota, he was the eldest of four surviving children of George and Minnie Roberts. Prior to his 1946 graduation from an agricultural business school—now University of Minnesota, Morris—he attended a one-room school in Benson.
He met his bride, Arlys Loretta Johnson, at a church event for young adults shortly after she began teaching at Benson Junior High. They married during a snowstorm on December 6, 1952 in Dawson, Minnesota, and a few months later Don began serving eight years in the US Army—two years active duty and six years reserve duty—from which he received an honorable discharge in  May 1961.
Except for a short stint in retail as owner of a store in LaGrande, Oregon, his career was in wholesale as a purchasing agent for companies in Clara City, Minnesota; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Portland, Oregon; and Chicago, Illinois. Although he retired to Cornelius, Oregon, in 1991, he continued to work for about ten more years as a part-time driver and instructor for the Tri-Met Lift-Bus service.
Prior to retirement he was involved in many organizations such as Kiwanis, Easter Seals, Boy Scouts, Christian Men’s Fellowship, and was always active in his local church, often as an usher, in the choir, or in various congregational leadership roles.
In retirement he enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, golfing, weekly card games with friends, and “snowbird” road trips to Arizona. He also enjoyed watching football, especially when his grandsons and grand-nephews were playing. He had many relatives and lifelong friends with whom he regularly kept in touch by phone, email, or in-person-visits whenever possible.
He was known for having a great memory—especially for people; a ready smile and chuckle; a positive and gracious attitude—ready to give of himself; and a tremendous loyalty to family and friends.
His greatest desire was for his family to have a close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and with each other. We hope to honor his wishes by gathering family together—no matter the distance—as often as possible.
His wife, Arlys (2007), and their youngest child, Brad (1993), preceded him in death. Survivors include brother Gene (Dolly) of Benson, Minnesota; sisters Margaret (Ken) Kvam of Waconia, Minnesota and Barbara (Terry) Rothenbuehler of Rochert, Minnesota; daughter Becky (Duane) Fromhart of Beaverton, Oregon; son Brian (Michele) Roberts of Flagstaff, Arizona; four grandsons and one granddaughter; seven great-grandsons and six great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.
Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, a private outdoor ceremony was held on November 9, 2020 at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, with military honors. A memorial service to be held in Benson, Minnesota is planned for May 2021.




















Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2194 SE Minter Bridge Road, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123.







































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