Service: Per Don’s wishes, a private family burial will take place at the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery.
Donald “Don” Pottratz, age 91, died Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society Canton. Per Don’s wishes, a private family burial will take place at the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery.
Don was born on August 8, 1932 to Leo and Kathryn (McDowell) Pottratz in Flandreau, SD. He grew up in Flandreau and graduated from Flandreau High School. He earned a teaching degree from USD and later a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He has lived in Canton, SD since 1957.
Through the years, Don taught school, served as the Director of Planning and Zoning for Lincoln County, and was the janitor of Canton Lutheran Church until his retirement due to declining health. He was also very active in the Canton School system, the Canton community, and Canton Lutheran Church his entire life. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending Canton C-hawk activities, music, singing in the Grieg Chorus and Canton Lutheran Choir, going to coffee, and local history.
He is survived by his son, Todd (Jizele) Pottratz; daughter, Stacy (Mark) Gunnarson; grandchildren, Jade (Luke) Reimnitz, Noah Gunnarson, Dane Gunnarson, Braden (Margaret) Pottratz, Tanner (Sarah) Pottratz, and Rylee (Nathan) Dubbelde; great-grandchildren, Harrison and Hattie Pottratz; 2 great-grandchildren due soon; along with numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brad; and brother, Leo.
Pottratz family, I’m sorry to hear of this. He will be sorely missed. Peace unto you.
Don was a great teacher and mentor . He will be missed.
Carol Nutter Engelhart , class of 1972
Don was a very sweet and kind man and neighbor. He liked when we had neighbors cook outs and he loved my apple pies. He has his wings now. My son and I truly enjoyed him. Peace be with you Don
“Mr. Pottratz” was, and always will be, my favorite high school teacher. He was a great teacher and a greater person. The trips to Washington, DC and Expo 67 were memorable, to say the least. Rest in peace, Don.
JI, CHS Class of ’67
I truly enjoyed my time with Don at Good Samaritan when I was a nurse assistant. We bonded over being members of Canton Lutheran Church and he provided me with a wealth of local information and stories. May your shared memories bring comfort to you in the days ahead. My deepest sympathy to you and yours.
“Mr. Pottratz” was probably my favorite and most respected teacher during my many years of education and learning. He was a good teacher and a better person. Some of my favorite memories include the trips made to Washington, DC., and EXPO 67 with him and several classmates in his Mercury sedan! He made History and Civics come to life! I regret that I didn’t stay in touch after graduating from CHS in 1967. Thank you Mr. Potrattz!
James (Jim) Imbrock, CHS Class of 1967
Sorry for your loss. Don was a classmate of mine.
We graduated in 1950. Last time I saw him was at our last reunion
in Dell Rapids, at the Pizza Ranch.
Prayers are with his family.
Love in Christ,
Marilyn Powers
sorry for your loss
I always enjoyed our talks. He would always offer me chocolate and a pop whenever I was there. Truly an amazing guy. He will be missed!
My prayers are with all of you at this time in Don’s passing. I am a classmate from Flandreau 1950 class and my memory of Don is he was always kind and intelligent. There will be many great memories about our generation.
My prayers are with all of you at this time with the passing of Don. I was a Flandreau classmate of 1950. My memory of him is he was always kind and intelligent . He may be gone but never forgotten!
So sorry to hear about Don. He was such a great friend to Paul and me. You have my sympathy.
Don was my History teacher in High school . He was always fair to everyone…One of my favorite teachers….I got to know him better when he worked for Lincoln County and as our local historian…..The last time I saw him…..we rode in the Front Locomotive on a train ride from Canton to Hawarden….A Great Day for both of us !!! He will be missed for sure….
We enjoyed our friendship with Don very much through the Grieg Chorus.
My greatest sympathy on the passing of your father. God Bless to the family