Donald Wolner

In memory of Donald F. Wolner

Don Wolner, age 85, passed away Sunday March 13, 2016 at Ecumen Prairie Hill in St. Peter, MN. 

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato, MN.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. 

Don was born March 4, 1931 in St. James, MN, the eldest son of Martin and Helen (Dwyer) Wolner.  Don grew up on a farm and attended country school in Watonwan County graduating from St. James High School in 1949.  Don attended Mankato State University playing football for one season.

On August 15, 1953 he and Marilyn Sorheim were married in Mankato celebrating over 62 years of marriage.  Don is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Helen Wolner.  He is survived by his loving family including wife Marilyn, son Scott (Amy), daughter Shari Elbert, son Steve (Julie) and son Stan Wolner.  He is survived by 8 grandchildren Jacki Boon (Ryan), Christa Wolner (fiancé Graham Stock), Lisa Elbert (fiancé Larry Fitzgerald), Laura Frederick (Luke) and Mike Elbert (Molly), Erika Wolner (fiancé Justin Gatzke), Christopher Wolner and Elise Wolner.   Don is survived by 6 great grandchildren, Katelyn and Annika Boon, Paige Elbert, Mackenzie Fitzgerald, Grace Frederick and Brekken Elbert.  Don is also survived by his brother Jamie Wolner and his sister Pat VanThuyne along with nieces and nephews

With his early years on the farm Don developed a deep love for the outdoors with a passion for hunting and trapping.  He was an avid waterfowler who hunted ducks and geese into his 80’s.  The passion was a year around pursuit as he was always planning and preparing for the next season painting decoys, improving duck blinds or acquiring new gear.  Don loved hunting with his family instilling the same passion in his sons Scott, Steve and Stan and grandson Chris.  In addition to hunting Don loved bird watching and feeding the birds.  His home was landscaped for wildlife with an ample supply of bird houses, bird feeders and bird baths that only he could maintain.

Don loved sports.  He instilled this love of sports into his children and grandchildren and was clearly their biggest fan.  He was a strong supporter in all they pursued and was very proud of their accomplishments.  Over the years Don logged thousands of miles and many hours of bleacher time seldom missing a game whether at home or away. 

Don’s working career included working as a heavy equipment operator, running large dozers and motor graders for several private contractors. He loved Caterpillar equipment!  He eventually went to work for the Blue Earth County Highway department in the same capacity working 32 years before retiring in 1992.

Don had a long and enjoyable retirement.  Upon retirement Don and Marilyn spent many winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida always locating in a beautiful condo overlooking the ocean.  Their home was always open to family and friends to stay as long as they pleased.

Don loved and enjoyed being around people.  He could strike up a conversation with anyone and anywhere.

In lieu of flowers, if you prefer, memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Mankato, MN.