Donald Sorte

Donald Lawrence Sorte, 82, of Great Falls, who retired from Washington State government and Navy veteran, died of natural causes on Monday, January 30th, 2012 at Peace Hospice.A memorial service will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at Fort Harrison Cemetery at a later date. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Raised in Scobey, MT, Don served in the Navy from 1951-1955. On October 12, 1951, he married Ilo Fay Brenden. He later graduated with highest honors, earning a Masters Degree from the University of Montana. Don raised two daughters, Linda Lee and Kathleen Lenore, which he said was his greatest accomplishment . His career started in Montana and South Dakota as a Legislative Director. Later Don moved to Washington and became the Director of the Office of Financial Management and Director of Government Research for the Education Association. He retired from the Washington Marine Transportation Department as the Deputy Secretary.Donald is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ilo Sorte of Great Falls; his daughters and their families, Linda (Art) Hawkins of Boise, ID and Kathleen (Kevin) Goranson of Hazel Green, WI and four grandchildren.Donald was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Curtis, Jim, and Jerry Sorte.Memorial donations may be made to the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, 1010 25th Ave NE, Great Falls, MT 59404 or the charity of your choice.