Yesterday (9/19/22), I received news that Arctic Cat legend (and friend), Donn Eide, had passed away, and that makes me and many others who knew and worked with Donn, pretty sad today. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Donn’s family. He was one of the greats and will be dearly missed. I’m thankful our paths crossed in life as he was someone I truly admired and respected. -Kale
DONN’S OBITUARY
Donn Craig Eide, 71, beloved Father and Grandfather of Bemidji, Minnesota passed away with his family by his side on Monday, September 19, 2022, at Gulf Coast Medical Center, Fort Myers, Florida.
Donn was born on November 10, 1950, in Warren, Minnesota, the son of Wilbert and Esther (Brodahl) Eide. He grew up in Oslo, Minnesota where he was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. He graduated from Oslo High School in 1968. He entered the Air National Guard in 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1976. In 1969, his passion for snowmobiles started his 49-year career at Arctic Cat, Inc in Thief River Falls, MN. After retirement, Donn became a Snowbird residing in Crystal Lakes retirement community in Fort Myers, Florida while spending the summer months at his lake home in Bemidji, MN.
Donn’s greatest joy was his family and believed they were his true wealth in life. He enjoyed traveling, taking his grandkids to the beach, hunting, and deep sea fishing. He loved to tinker with projects including lawn work, fixing engines, and helping his kids with their home projects. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, traveling with his family, hosting his traditional Fourth of July celebration and he was a true Minnesota sports fan.
He is survived by his sons, Christopher (Luanne) Eide of Donna, TX and Darren (Chrissy) Eide of Wyoming, MN and daughter, Trisha (Steve Jung) Finney of Anoka, MN; siblings, Ron Eide of McAllen, TX, and Colleen (Doug) Anderson of Oslo, MN; grandchildren, Emma and Cora Rehnberg, Ivana Rouland and Ian Finney; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews; his four-legged hunting companion, Bristol Belle; and the mother of his children, Diane (Ed) Kaiser.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry Eide; sister-in-law, Opal Eide; nephew, James Troy; and great nephew, Wyatt Feltman.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, October 08, 2022, 11AM – NOON
Redeemer Lutheran Church 1300 Nora Street East Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701
Donn was not only a creative and vastly experienced 2-stroke engine designer, he was also the nicest gentleman you would ever want to meet. It was my privilege to work with Donn on several projects during the latter part of his distinguished career. Rest In Peace, Donn.
Donn was my high school classmate from Oslo MN high school class of 1968. I also live in Bemidji MN but didn’t get to meet often enough. I purchased a 2014 6000 El Tigre and asked him if it would be a good engine to have before I ordered it. He sent me an email about how it was developed and how they tested it for 250000 miles before it was approved. May he Rest In Peace and condolences to his family.
Thanks for the article Kale. Donn was a great friend. Kind, thoughtful, humble, polite, and a great man. I was lucky enough to become good friends with Donn and his family. We are heartbroken and will miss him everyday.
Kale, let’s talk about getting Donn in the Hall sometime when we are done morning this great man. He certainly deserves consideration for all his contributions over 50 years.
R.I.P Mr. Eide. Thank you for providing the power to MANY fantastic Arctic Cat memories! I just love my 600 CTEC 2!
God Bless Donn. He blessed us with his passion.
yes, Thank you sir.
Sad day. Thoughts going out to family.
Very sad day. Thx for the piece Kale. A very special man and an icon/legend for what he brought to the industry.
Arctic cat had many GREAT heros. Thank you DON
RIP to one of the Cat team who truly “got it”.
For someone to have that depth of knowledge yet be so humble says a lot about his character. RIP Donn.
Donn was not only a creative and vastly experienced 2-stroke engine designer, he was also the nicest gentleman you would ever want to meet. It was my privilege to work with Donn on several projects during the latter part of his distinguished career. Rest In Peace, Donn.
SO sad he was a great guy and engineer had the pleasure of working with during the winter months at Arctic Cat RIP
Donn was my high school classmate from Oslo MN high school class of 1968. I also live in Bemidji MN but didn’t get to meet often enough. I purchased a 2014 6000 El Tigre and asked him if it would be a good engine to have before I ordered it. He sent me an email about how it was developed and how they tested it for 250000 miles before it was approved. May he Rest In Peace and condolences to his family.
Thanks for the article Kale. Donn was a great friend. Kind, thoughtful, humble, polite, and a great man. I was lucky enough to become good friends with Donn and his family. We are heartbroken and will miss him everyday.
Kale, let’s talk about getting Donn in the Hall sometime when we are done morning this great man. He certainly deserves consideration for all his contributions over 50 years.
Amazing tribute and some very kind comments. Thanks Gentlemen!