Donald J. Leaf, 97, passed away peacefully, March 18, 2025, in Fort Benton, Montana at the Missouri River Medical Center. A private graveside service is planned at the Fort Benton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to V.F.W. Post 4047, P.O. Box 363 Fort Benton, Montana 59442. Please visit Donald's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at www.bentonfh.com.

Don was born, July 14, 1927, in Jamestown, North Dakota to Carl and Ina Leaf. Along with his brother, Gordon, the family moved to Fargo, North Dakota in 1929. This is where Don spent his childhood years. In 1943 he tried to enlist in the United States Navy during World War II/ Being only 16 years old at the time he was sent back home. Not to be deterred, he successfully joined the Navy when he turned 17. After enlisting he was sent Farragut, Idaho for training as a signal man. He ended up in the Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga, the "Big T', as he called it. He was on board when the Japanese surrendered in August of 1945.

He returned from the service in 1945 and completed high school. Prior to enlisting, he had met the love of his life, Mary Ann Towey. She was working at the State Theater in Fargo, where Don's dad was the projectionist. They were married on February 2, 1947. He worked at various jobs, including a plumber, shipping clerk and pop truck driver. This truck was the vehicle he took Mary to the hospital on Christmas Eve 1947, for the birth of their first son, Mike. In 1949 he went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad, living in Dillworth, Minnesota. After a couple of years at the railroad, they packed up the family, now three with the addition of John and Kathy, and moved to Missoula, Montana continuing to work for the Northern Pacific.

Dad loved to hunt and fish, and Montana was the ideal destination. We don't think there was a mountain lake in Western Montana, that we didn't hike into as kids. The family remained in Missoula until 1962, when Donald went to work for the Montana Fish and Game as a warden. This eventually brought the family to Fort Benton, where Don remained working with the Fish and Game until his retirement in 1984. Mary retired from Benton Pharmacy that same year and they began their second career. They loved antiques and would spend countless hours at flea markets and garage sales. "Leaf's Antiques", kept them busy for the next thirty years. They loved their retirement.

Don stayed very busy following the numerous activities of his grandchildren. He will be missed by all, and rest assured he is back with his beloved Mary.

Don's family would like to say thank you to all the "girls" at the Missouri River Medical Center. They are all special and deserve a lot of credit for the wonderful care they provided to Don. Our family is so appreciative of you all.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Mary in 2016.

Don is survived by his brother Gordon (Daisy) Leaf, sister-in-law Ginny Towey; children: Michael Leaf, John (Marcia) Leaf, and Kathy (Doug) Knight; grandchildren: Lissa (Chad) Bergman, Jon (Deneice) Knight, Kristi Knight, Ryan (Anna) Leaf, Jeffrey ( Lynzi) Leaf and Brady (Rachel) Leaf; nine great grandchildren, six great - great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.