Don Urbatsch

Donald Irving Urbatsch, 68, a resident of rural Welch, OK, passed away Friday evening, January 11, 2019 at his home. He was born October 29, 1950 in Williston, North Dakota to Don Urbatsch and Virginia (Bostwick) Urbatsch. He was raised in Williston and attended school there. Upon graduation, he attended college in Dickenson, ND and Bottineau, ND. He later enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. On March 26, 1977, he was united in marriage to the former Judy Echternacht in a ceremony in Anchorage, Alaska, where they made their home for 30 years. They also lived in Williston, ND from 2003-2011. They then moved to Welch, OK where they currently reside. Don was a Petroleum Engineer and his career spanned over 40 years, starting with NL Lead, Baroid, and Halliburton, retiring for the final time in 2015. Don worked on numerous drilling rigs on the North Slope of Alaska, the Williston Basin and Montana, Utah. He is still talked about by oilfield hands as to his knowledge of the oil industry and he was famous for his hunting and fishing stories. Don lived and breathed hunting, fishing, shooting and golf. He was passionate about helping young children learn to love the outdoors as he had his whole life. He was happiest when he was taking his grandchildren fishing, hunting, or even showing them around our current farm and having them help with chores of the animals. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to thousands around the world. He did not know a stranger, as they soon became friends. Don traveled to numerous places with his love of hunting and fishing, three times to Africa, Hawaii, New Zealand and Greenland. He was a collector of many things and they showed his loved for fishing, hunting, baseball and even being a Minnesota Vikings fan. Surviving Donald are his wife, Judy Urbatsch of Welch, OK; son Donald Patrick Urbatsch and wife Jamiee and their children, Shania, Donald Peter, Farrah, Guinivere; son Matthew Ryan Urbatsch and wife Whitney and their expectant child; siblings, Sharon Zeman and husband Don, Luci Carns and husband Tom, Calvin Urbatsch and wife Jeba, Alan Urbatsch, Les Urbatsch and wife Lisa, Melody Schutt, and Dorothy Wilbanks and husband James; numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws, and lifetime friends, Wiliam Etter, Gary Monroe, John Patton, Lynn Soiseth, Robyn Jordan, Lane Johnson and so many more. Preceding Donald in death were his parents, Donald Lee and Virginia Urbatsch, sister, Barbara Urbatsch, father-in-law John K. Echternacht, brother-in-law John D. Echternacht. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Welch, OK. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the Welch Christian Church. Minister Jesse Burns will officiate.

Don Urbatsch

October 29, 1950 - January 11, 2019