Donald J. Conroy

Casa Grande, Ariz. Formerly Antler

Donald J. Conroy, 86, of Casa Grande, Arizona, and formerly of Antler, North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Don was born on April 22, 1938, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, the eldest son of Edward and Florence (Ormiston) Conroy. Both Edward and Florence were teachers, by profession.

Don was raised in Scranton and later Dunseith, North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Minot State Teachers College and later a master’s degree from NDSU. He continued his graduate studies at the North Carolina State-Raleigh, where he was recruited by the federal government during the Cold War due to his background in science and math. This opportunity led him abroad to serve in the Foreign Service, teaching math and science at the United States Embassy in Spain. He also briefly taught in Willow City, North Dakota, and Kingman, Arizona.

In 1968, Don met Marsha Goodrich, and together they had four children. The family lived in Nogales and Rio Rico, Arizona, before settling in Antler, North Dakota in 1978, where Don served as the customs agent and port director at the Antler Port of Entry until his retirement in 2000. Don is fondly remembered by those who frequented his port for his friendly wave and relaxed demeanor. Don recalled his many years living near Antler as a “great joy,” and described the area around the port as a “lovely little pastoral enclave in a secluded little world.”

After retiring, Don moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, while maintaining a residence in Minot. He spent his retirement years enjoying golf, pickleball, and horseshoes, with highlights including a national pickleball ranking and a hole-in-one at Apple Grove Golf Course on July 26, 2010. Following the 2011 flood in Minot, Don made Arizona his permanent home, where he enjoyed his hobbies. In 2023, he returned to Minot full-time to be closer to his family. He spent his remaining years at Edgewood Vista, where he made many new friends and enjoyed following politics.

Don was a devoted father and grandfather who always put family first. His grandchildren cherished visits to Arizona, where Don orchestrated memorable treasure hunts that led to the discovery of “pirate treasure” curiously lost in the Arizona desert. Don’s playful pirate impressions and masterful storytelling captivated everyone around him, especially little kids. True to his Irish heritage, known for its storytelling tradition, Don wrote a book titled The Conroy Chronicles, which recounted his Midwest upbringing and summers spent on his grandparents’ farm near Fairdale, North Dakota.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Florence Conroy, and his beloved dog, Norman. Don’s four children survive him: Shannon Conroy (Don Aasen), Shane Conroy (Lori), Erin Conroy (Paul Boettcher), and Kelly Conroy; and his grandchildren: McKenzie Kranz (Kyson Smith), Maddie Kranz, Luke Conroy, Nicolas Loberg, Michael Loberg, Adam Boettcher, and Annika Boettcher, and Katie Conroy; and his sister, Colleen Martel (Donald), and her four children, including Dan Martel (Janet), Andrea Sonnenburg, Kimberly Evanger (Kevin), and Stacia Essler (Paul), and their children.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 5, 2024.