Donald Paul Luwe

Donald Paul Luwe, 89, of Great Falls, beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and as called by his great grandchildren “GP” was welcomed into heaven on March 20, 2018. Don was born June 19, 1928 in Great Falls to Paul Richard Luwe and Helen Catherine Murry.At the age of 18, Don joined the US Marine Corps where he served honorably until he blew out his knee and was discharged. Don married the love of his life Lorraine “Rainy” Myers on May 17, 1952. Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Dawn Paulette and brother Richard Luwe. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Rainy; sister Patricia Thurman of Prescott, AZ; children: Paul Luwe (Karen Finke) of Virgin, UT, Patrick Luwe (Patricia) and daughter Penny Reynolds (John Goodnow) of Great Falls; grandchildren: Danny Luwe (Austin Pettinger) and Ryan Luwe of Chicago, Samie Bushman of Billings, Cassie Hedrick (Benjamin) of Meridian, ID, Megan Sanchez of Columbia, MD and Steven Luwe (Hillary) and Sean Luwe of Great Falls; great grandchildren: Carter and Maximillian Bushman, Oliver and Evelyn Hedrick, Marcelo and Lilyana Sanchez, and Ryder and Reid Luwe. Don worked in the retail grocery business for most of his career except for a period when he worked for the Great Falls Public Works Department.Don turned down promotions and other employment so he could be involved in the lives of his children. Don rarely missed a game or event involving his children and grandchildren and could always be found cheering loudly from the stands or running down the sidelines of the track or football field.Don always encouraged his children and grandchildren to be the best that they could be and on those days when they might falter his love and pride for them never did.Don spent countless hours volunteering and giving back to the community.He was a Cub Scout pack leader, baseball coach and in 1974, a co-founder of the Roadrunners Track Club. He helped organized the Ice Breaker and other road races and filled many summer evenings running the All Comers track meets where participants of all ages and skill levels could participate in a family fun event. Once a Marine always a Marine; Don often ended his phone calls with Semper Fi.In 1998, Don joined Detachment 688, Marine Corps League and was involved in all facets of the league. The Big Sky Marine newsletter was awarded the Marine Corps 1999 National Newsletter Award when he was editor.Don founded the Big Sky Young Marines in 2002 which provided leadership training to future Marines and Leaders. Don was a member of Pound 290 Military Order of Devil Dogs and named MODD 2003 Pound Dog of the year.On November 10, 2006, Don was presented with the Legion of Honor Award by the Chapel of Four Chaplains. There will be a celebration of Don’s life when all his children and grandchildren can be home. Please save the date of July 7, 2018 for a memorial service at 10:00 am at Corpus Christi (St. Lukes) church followed by the burial with military honors at Mount Olivet cemetery where Don’s ashes will be laid to rest with his baby daughter, Dawn Paulette. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toys for Tots at Marine Corps League, Detachment 688 MCL, Bill Rodgers Treasurer, 1318 3rd West Hill Dr., Great Falls, MT 59404 or to Benefis Peace Hospice. Although Don’s physical body is no longer with us his honorable spirit will always live on in our hearts - Semper Fi