Donald Gene Sebesta, MD, FACS
Sadly, we announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather, uncle colleague, friend and mentor Oct. 26, 2024, in Othello Community Hospital.
Born in Murdo, S.D., on March 30, 1938, to Violet Duvall and Alton Sebesta, Donald is the oldest of four siblings.
Donald was a man with many talents, he had a bucket list of adventures with the fortitude to accomplish them. Raised in a small farm community in Larchwood, Iowa, he managed to travel the world extensively as an adult. An avid reader, his adventurous spirit was only stoked by hunting and fishing books and magazines. He went as far as taking a six-week course from "HERTER's" magazine to teach himself taxidermy at the ripe old age of 10 years old. In addition, he had the local veterinarian "Doc" Sanders teach him the anatomy and physiology of animals (initially because he wanted his own airplane like the doctor).
That curiosity was instrumental in his love for surgery. After graduating from high school, he headed off to the university in Vermillion, S.D. He completed his undergraduate studies in three years, receiving a bachelor's degree. He worked hard in his studies and received a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania where he began his medical education. His senior year he mentored with C. Everett Koop, Pediatric Genera/Surgeon who was made Surgeon General of the United States in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. Donald had been asked by Koop to join his practice but had to decline because he had no money to finish his residency.
So, Donald joined the Army. He went to Fitzsimmons in Colorado, then on to Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This is where he received his residency degree. This would prepare him for his one-year tour in Vietnam, Quin Nhon. Serving from 1968-1969 — seeing well over a hundred casualties daily — retrospectively this made him an excellent surgeon.
Returning to civilian life, he and his family moved to Davenport, Washington. Raising three children — Susan, Jim and Tom. His restless spirit prompted him to return to the military, this time to the Air Force Reserves. He served at Fairchild Air Force Base until retiring in 1998.
As an avid hunter, he increased his international travel, completing a "Super-slam" in Wild Sheep. With their large collection, both he and his current wife Sandra decided to build a Nature History Museum displaying full-mounted specimens. Before his passing, they collected more than 1,300 animals. The purpose of the museum is to teach conservation, habitat and geographical locations of the animals displayed. Educating the practice of controlled hunting, gun safety and presenting facts regarding the coalition between the people, hunters and government.
Donald was a delight to meet. He always had a plethora of interesting stories. Those of us who knew him are truly blessed — he will be missed beyond words.
Donald is survived by Sandra, his spouse and partner for nearly 30 years; his children, Jim and Janielle Sebesta; Tom and Patty Sebesta; Susan and Ed Frey; Dusty and Sherrie Tyler; Daniel and Vanessa Tyler. He is also survived by grandchildren Cameron, Eden, Donnie, Jessica, Serenity, Jessica, Eric, Laura, Garrett, Brittany, Ellen, Joseph and Emily as well as 10 great-grandchildren, a boy and nine girls. He also leaves behind numerous relatives and extended family members, including brother Roger and wife Phyllis Sebesta and sister Janice and her husband Dave Herbel.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Violet Sebesta, and his brother, Robert Sebesta.
A celebration of life will be held Nov. 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center located at 1200 E. Rainier Street, at the intersection of N. 11th Avenue and Rainier Street.
