Donald Leslie “Don” Bird, age 71 of Virginia died Sunday, December 1, 2024, in Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. He was born March 5, 1953, in Ely, the son of Earl and Mary Ann (Prijatel) Bird. Don was a 1971 graduate of Virginia Roosevelt High School and a 1972 graduate of Eveleth Vocational-Technical College with a degree in Optical Technology. He married Cindy Petroskey on June 9, 1972, in Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. They lived in Staples, Mn and Salt Lake City, Ut prior to returning to the Iron Range in 1973. Don was employed as a Team Leader for U.S. Steel Minntac. After retirement, he was employed as a consultant for Pace Analytical and NTS. Don was a member of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Northern Club, and was a longtime member of the Virginia Planning and Zoning Commission. Don enjoyed 4-wheeling, trail riding in his side-by-side, he was a very meticulous lawn keeper, took pride in having clean cars and boats, fishing, and boating on Lake Vermilion where he was known as “Donzie” the Mayor of Duffy Island. He was known for his marvelous sense of humor, love of animals, and he cherished time spent with his family, good food, good friends, and good company.

Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cindy; children: Cory (Katie) Bird of Virginia and Melanie (Rick) Stickney of Britt; grandchildren: Andrew and Aiden Bird, and Joshua and Joseph Stickney, brother: Richard Bird of Cambridge, his beloved dogs: Qarl & Finley; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law: Mary Bird.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastors Marion Rova and Katie Larson will officiate. A Gathering Time for Family and Friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .