Donald "Don" Howard Pencoske

Donald “Don” Howard Pencoske, aged 89, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, in Great Falls, MT with his wife and daughter by his side. Don, the youngest of 8 children, was born on July 15, 1935, in Duquesne, PA, to Leroy and Mary (Hall) Pencoske.

In 1965, while working in Des Moines, Iowa, he met and married Susan Felse. In 1966, their daughter, Kelly, was born. Later that year, the family moved to San Jose, CA, and in 1974, they moved to Great Falls, making it their permanent home.

Don started his long career working in the publishing industry in Pittsburg in 1959 and continued from there traveling the United States to help set up individual branch sales offices. He eventually became a franchise owner for periodical publishers, including Look Magazine, and operated a successful business for over forty years. Over the course of his life, he owned several additional businesses in Great Falls and Mesa, Arizona. Through the years, he maintained a number of close friendships with former colleagues.

Don had a life-long passion for football. As a Duquesne High School stand-out player, he went on to play in college and played regimental football for the Army during his service in Germany from 1955 to 1957. Years later, missing his involvement in sports, he became a high school football and basketball referee for the Montana Officials Association from 1982 to 2002.

Don was a devoted husband and father, successful businessman, Army veteran, sportsman, athlete, traveler, and a faithful friend. He enjoyed a life well lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; and one nephew.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Susan, and his daughter, Kelly Olson (Neal Rubino). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned per his request.