Donald Palmer Chase

Donald P. Chase was born to Everett Chase and Hazel Palmer on August 30, 1938 in Bottineau, ND. He was the oldest of 3, big brother to Karla and Norris. Donald graduated from Mohall High School, class of 1957. He attended the North Dakota School of Forestry and graduated with an associates degree in 1959. Shortly after, he moved to Fort Collins, Co to join his parents and siblings. It was there that he met Juanita and their life long love story began. By the end of 1959 he enlisted in the United States Navy and left January 26,1960 for basic training in San Diego, Ca. Don and Juanita married April 13,1960 in Fort Collins, CO. They then moved to Memphis, TN where Don served on active duty as an aviation electronics technician. In their time in Tennessee, Don and Juanita welcomed their first of 3 children, Karla May 1962. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, life took the Chases to Pueblo, Co for one year for Don to attend Southern Colorado College for further electronic technician training. In March of 1964, the family grew to 4, with the addition of their son, Phillip. After returning to Fort Collins a year later, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Alesia in April of 1965. Don was working for AT&T, which led to their transfer to Rawlins, WY in 1967. They spent 10 years in Rawlins, where Don enjoyed bowling, hunting, camping and fishing. Spring of 1977 brought a new job opportunity for Don which led the family to Valdez, AK where he began working for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.

His time in Alaska further fostered Don's love for the outdoors: hunting, fishing, & running filled his free time. A point of pride for Don was his Grand Slam of North American Sheep, which he achieved in 1994. Just prior to his passing, Don donated his life size sheep mounts and he will be memorialized annually at the Wild Sheep Foundation convention in Reno, NV. Don was also very grateful for his opportunity to travel to Africa for the hunt of a lifetime in 1992.

In 1996, after 20 years with the pipeline, Don retired, so he and Juanita relocated to Wheatland, WY. It was there that Don was able to enjoy his free time to continue exploring the outdoors. He went on numerous big game hunts, making many memories with his son, son-in-law, nephews, grandchildren, and many friends. Later in life, Don focused on fishing, making it his goal to catch a 30 inch Walleye. Though he fell 1/2 inch short, he enjoyed many hours in the sun, drowning bait, and making memories with family and friends alike. Don was very proud of his service, patriotism, land and wildlife conservation efforts, and his family.

Don is survived by his Wife: Juanita, sister: Karla, Sister-in-law: Susan Children: Karla, Phil (Pam), and Alesia (Mike), Grandchildren: Jessica (Kevin), Bianca, Wyatt, Cody, Jake (Jordan), & Hannah Great-GrandChildren: Adeline, Evelyn, Parker, Olivia, Wynnrae, Rayden, & Rhythm.
Joining him in heaven are his parents: Everett and Hazel, Brother: Norris, brother in law: Bud Bass and many beloved horses, mules, & dogs.

Though Donald will be dearly missed by many, he requested his life be memorialized as having no regrets and a great love of God, country, and family.

A celebration of life will be held at 10th Street Social, 812 10th Street, Wheatland, WY on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send stories, memories, and photos to Hannah.Schirber21@gmail.com .