Don Peter Horsted, a lifetime music man and avid player of bridge, golf, and other games, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. He was 87.

Don was born April 5, 1939, in Arlington, South Dakota to parents Louis and Elvina Horsted. An only child, Don was blessed with dozens of cousins and grew up alongside them on a farmstead near Badger, South Dakota. Proud early-generation Danish-Americans, Don and family spoke primarily Danish until he began elementary school.

Don married Rosalie Beth Gustafson, of Hetlund, South Dakota, in 1957, and their love affair lasted 69 years. Rosalie survives Don and lives in Sioux City.

Don graduated from Arlington High School and then Augustana College, where he majored in music. A passionate believer in education, Don continued his own learning throughout most of his life, earning a master’s plus an additional 30+ hours degrees in music and teaching courses from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

Don enjoyed a long career in education, teaching music in Tyndall, South Dakota and Hartington, Nebraska before moving to Sioux City in 1966. He taught instrumental music for 33 years in the Sioux City School District. Once into retirement, he promptly accepted the part-time position of music man for St. Paul Lutheran School, where he remained for five years. On the side, he occasionally took on private students.

Don’s love of music started early, as archived by a family favorite photo of him singing and playing guitar in a talent show at age 10. He continued sharing those talents with an abundance of organizations through the decades, playing bassoon, saxophone, or singing in The Sioux City Symphony, Sioux City Municipal Band, Spencer Municipal band, Master Chorale Association, weekend jazz bands, and more.

As a conductor, Don directed many local organizations including the Nordic Male Chorus, church choirs including the St. John choir until spring of last year, and countless school groups. Upon retirement, he became a committed piano student, filling the house with a piano in almost every room and practicing daily for hours. Until his final months, he played and filled in routinely at local churches.

Though he kept remarkably busy, he made ample time for his family—his first priority and biggest pride and joy. He is survived by his three sons and their families: Kevin and partner Art, of Sioux City; Kirk of St. Paul and his two children, Jesper and wife Gabrielle, and Elsa; Kelly and wife Audra, of Northport, NY; and sister-in-law Joan Gustafson of Long Beach, CA.

“It’s GOOD to be busy,” was an oft-repeated motto of Don’s, who remained active until his final days, even when others might suggest that he slow down. Life-long hobbies included fishing, golf, bridge, duplicate bridge and groups and competitions, and—especially in his later years—garage sales. If people who knew him needed a specific bargain, he’d find it for them. Beginning in 1975, Lake Okoboji became Don’s beloved family getaway, with convivial cabins always humbly named ITLDO.

A highly social person with a quick wit who was always loyal to friends, Don rarely missed a gathering or game, while also staying committed to community. He was eager to volunteer for causes and events that needed him. And having been born with a rare blood type, he donated hundreds of times through the years, receiving high recognition and helping to save lives. While growing up, his kids became familiar with the middle of the night phone call followed by a quick exit from the house to the local blood bank to help someone in an emergency.

It would be impossible to speculate how many people Don touched and taught with his music and presence. He would be pleased to know that the music will play on, long after the music man has left the stage.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, at St. John Lutheran Church, 2801 Jackson St., Sioux City. All are invited to join the family at a reception immediately following the service. If you care to share a memorial, the family suggests supporting the Missouri River Choral Society, St. John Lutheran Church, First Christian Church, or the cause of your choice.