Memorial Services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2008 at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with Father Gerald Thury officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation is from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Tabor, with family present. Visitation will continue at 6 p.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, until the rosary service at 7:15 p.m. followed by the prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Donald James Koranda was born on July 26, 1949 in Scotland, SD to Kenneth and Marie (Mae Chadim) Koranda. He grew up and lived in Tabor were he attended Tabor Elementary School. He graduated from Tabor High School in 1967. He then attended Universal Trade School, Omaha, NE where he studied Auto Body Repair and received his Associates Degree. He then opened Don's Body Shop, Tabor. He also farmed with his grandfather, Jim Koranda, and helped his father in the well drilling business.

He married Irene Varilek, May 6, 1972. Don worked for the Bon Homme School District for one year. In 1974, he purchased the repair part of Koranda Well Company. Ten years later, he purchased the drilling part of Koranda Well Company continuing as Third Generation in drilling and repair in Tabor for over 85 years.

Don served on the Tabor Town Board for several years. He was a member of the Tabor Fire Department for more than 20 years. He also served on the St. Leo's Parish Council.

Don was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing until his later years. He took pride in creating animated floats for Czech Days. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people, which sometimes earned him a slap on the arm or a kiss on the cheek. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also took great joy in observing wildlife in his daily travels.

Don was a colorful character who enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and socializing with friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Irene; son Michael Koranda, Tracy, MN, daughters, Karen (Russell) Bisson, Yankton, SD, and Kay Koranda (Eric Woodbeck), Tabor, SD, three grandchildren, Laura, Evan and "Suzi" and sister, Donna (Edward) Melichar, Omaha, NE, niece, Pam (Mike) Mason of Omaha, NE and their daughter, Claire, nephew, Ken (Cameo) Melichar of Hewitt, TX and their children, Ashlyn and Nathan; his aunts, Evelyn Sorensen of Yankton, SD, Ardith Howard of Graham, NC, and Rose Lyons of Yankton, SD.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and infant brother.

One of Don's requests was to not mourn his death but celebrate his life, so the family requests that joyful attire be worn.