Donald Jesse Woolworth passed away at his home in Brookings, SD on April 3, 2022. He was born on Jan. 10, 1934 in Brookings, to Marion Oliver Woolworth and Nona May (Finch) Woolworth. He attended the Brookings School District, graduating from Brookings High School in 1952. He then attended South Dakota State University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Don married Barbara Ann Erickson on Dec. 15, 1956 in Detroit, MI. Less than one week later, Don was drafted into the Army and reported to Fort Ord in Monterey, CA for basic training on Jan. 1, 1957. After his basic training was completed, he was assigned to Material Command at the Army Chemical Center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.

After Don's military service was completed in 1960, they returned to Brookings, where he partnered with his father in his growing refrigeration and heating business. He worked with his father until Marion's retirement, then operated Woolworth Refrigeration himself until his own retirement in 2009. Don was instrumental in the design and installation of many large refrigeration and air conditioning systems at South Dakota State University, as well as other industrial and commercial facilities in Brookings and the surrounding area.

Surviving is his daughter, Cathy (David) Moklebust; son Richard (Jean) Woolworth; grandchildren Jennifer (Thomas) Jacobs, Jill (Kenneth) Phillips, Sarah (Brett) Ballman, Michael Woolworth, Christopher Moklebust, Erik Woolworth, and Duncan McGonagle; great grandchildren Emily (Joris Blanken) Crumpler, Ethan Crumpler, Isaac Ballman, and Isabelle Ballman; brothers-in-law David Erickson, and Jay (Margo) Erickson; three nieces, a nephew, and cousins. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Woolworth.

A public visitation will be held at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings on Sat., Apr. 9, from 1-3pm, followed by a private burial at Greenwood Cemetery, Brookings. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Don's name to South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts or College of Engineering.