Donald Christian Fedder

Donald Christian Fedder, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away on June 6, 2024, at Idaho Falls Community Hospital.

Don was born on March 31, 1941, to Leo Donald Fedder and Marjorie Freeman and raised by his paternal grandmother, Violet Watson in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Don went by the name of Sonny Watson growing up and had an extensive clan of brothers (Kenny, Russel, Dennis, Bobby, Ronnie, and Roger) and sisters (LaRae and Sandy) and a smallish circle of friends who were his lifelong compadres. Don joined the Marine Corps in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1962. He went on to live a vagabond life of wandering and adventure until he met and then married his wife of 53 years, a good Catholic girl from Minnesota, Frances Eileen Cicha in 1971. Don and Franny began their married life in Nevada where Don mastered the craft of throwing cards as a dealer in the Vegas casinos until they moved back to his hometown to raise their family. Don and Franny had two children – Jennifer (Randy Turnage) and Mancole (Crystal Fedder). Both took great pride in their kids and loved being grandparents when they began families of their own.

Don was known to be opinionated, ornery, feisty, and creative, and lived a life full of stories that at times seemed exaggerated and even unbelievable except they were always validated by his pals (mostly). He loved his family and enjoyed making music and art, running, swimming, and hanging out with his trusty canine companions (there were several over the years). He worked construction well into his seventies until his health began to decline. He loved being fussed over which began with his loving Granma Violet and ended with the blessed medical staff and Dr. Adams at Teton Cancer Center. Nobody fussed over Don more than Franny.

We mourn his passing, and he will be missed, but we take comfort in knowing that he is free from pain and that all of his brothers, family, and friends who passed on before him were waiting eagerly for him to join them and start the adventures anew.

Friends and family are welcome to join us at Mancole’s home (2811 Balboa Dr., Idaho Falls, ID) on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., to visit, laugh, cry, and remember our Dad, Grandpa, and friend. Cremation was under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.