Mengis Funeral Home

Donald was born May 3, 1936 on a farm in Preble Township near the former Tawney Store.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Scheie and Mabel Lutheran Churches.  He attended school for a short time at the Tawney School until the family moved to a farm in Highlandville Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa in 1941 where he attended the Grindeland School.  After the death of his father in 1944 his family moved to Mabel.
In February, 1960 he married Marilyn Sand.  Three children born to this union, Deborah, Rick, and Ronald.  She passed away in 1969 after a struggle with cancer.  In July 1970 he married Dorothy Benjaminsen.  They had four children, Tracy, Troy, Andrew, and Theodore. They later divorced.  He lived most of his married life on a hobby farm near Riceford.  He enjoyed entertaining there and he and Dorothy hosted many family reunions.  In the summer he would often take everyone on a hayride which everyone enjoyed, especially the younger children.  He also enjoyed going to tractor pulls. 
Due to failing health they sold the farm and moved to Spring Grove. 
He worked 42 years for Roverud Construction.  He was most prould of his 33 years of sobriety and his dedicated work with AA and the Sunrise home in Spring Grove.
Donald passed away Monday, November 1, 2010 at his home at the age of 74.
Donald is survived by two daughters Deborah (David) Kuebler of St. Paul, and Tracy (Greg) Norman of Olympia, Washington; four sons Rick (Mariann) of Stacy, Minnesota, Troy of Caledonia, and Theodore and Andrew of Spring Grove; eight grandchildren Kathryn, Jessica, Jennifer, Rick Jr., Andrew, Joshua, Alyssa, and Justin; seven great grandchildren Leroy, Trey, Jayce, Caden, Branchie, Carson, and Aubrey; two sisters Opal (Alfred) Nelson and Florence (Richard) Johnson both of Rochester.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Marilyn, an infant son, son Ronald, his parents, two sisters Sylvia Olson  and Lydia Johnson, and two  brothers, Clinton and Norman.