Donald J. Moriarty, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Bethesda of Beresford Nursing Home in Beresford, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, March 26, 2018 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Beresford, SD. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 PM Sunday, March 25 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 PM.

Don was born July 25, 1932 in Marion, SD to Charles and Magdalene (Marso) Moriarty. The family later moved to Yankton, SD where he attended Yankton High School. Don enjoyed debate, journalism, and playing bass horn and string bass. He wrote articles for the Yankton Press & Dakotan and played professionally with a dance band. Don later studied at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and then returned to Yankton where he began a lifelong career in sales.

In 1955, Don married Maureen Rokusek and the two moved to Springfield, SD in 1956 where they purchased the local drug store, The Trading Post. Don and Maureen raised their five children and successfully operated their business in Springfield for more than 20 years.

In addition to running the store, Don was an active member of the Springfield community including serving as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Boy Scout leader, and was a volunteer fireman and part of the local ambulance crew. He also helped start and served as chairman of the first local Senior Nutrition Program.

Don's faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of the Diocese of Sioux Falls Board of Catholic Education for several years and was Chairman of the church building committee for St. Vincent's Catholic Church and Newman Center in Springfield. He and his wife were active members of the parish including teaching CCD classes for many years. Don and his wife were also dedicated volunteers at The House of Mary Shrine near Yankton. They donated funds, along with several other donors, to erect a beautiful sculpture of the Holy Innocents in the memorial garden there.

Don is survived by his loving wife Maureen; daughter Colleen (Mike) Monfore of Holland, MI; daughter Erin (Steve) Lange of Sioux City, IA; daughter Denise (Jeff) Schwebach of Sioux Falls; son Brad (Gina) Moriarty of Rapid City; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Mike (Lorraine) Moriarty, and sister-in-law Geri (James) Moriarty of Livermore, CA. Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Diane; three sisters and two brothers.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He will be remembered for his faith, his sense of humor, friendly personality, and willingness to reach out to help others.

Memorial donations may be made in Don's name to House of Mary Shrine, PO Box 455, Yankton, SD 57078 or to Carmelite Monastery, 221 5th Street W., PO Box 67, Alexandria, SD  57311-0067.