Donald A Colby

Donald Albert Colby, age 91, of Mankato, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on May 3, 2007 at Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato with Rev. Richard Colletti officiating. Private burial will be in Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Faribault, MN. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday at Mankato Mortuary with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and will continue one hour before service at church on Tuesday. Memorials are preferred to the School Sisters of Notre Dame retirement fund, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, or to an organization of the donors choice.

Donald was born on December 23, 1915 to Albert K. and Charlotte (Woodley) Colby along with his twin sister Dorothy Charlotte in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Donald grew up in Northfield, MN, graduated from Northfield High School in 1934, and attended Carlton College. Donald was united in marriage to Marion Martin on July 18, 1941 in Minneapolis and together they raised three children. During his World War II military time he served as an aerial photographer in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. Dons employment days were spent with Bell and Howell in Chicago, Northern Photo Supply and Honeywell in Minneapolis and finally at Schmidts Photo Supply in Mankato for 38 years. His classic camera interest continued beyond retirement. He entertained his family with numerous trumpet solos and enjoyed being an Elks Club member of the marching band in Mankato. His adventure with his music earned him an orchestra chair as a trumpet player on the French ocean liner Champlain as they crossed the sea between New York and France in the 1930s. Donald was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Elks Club, American Legion Post 11, and volunteered at other various organizations. Don enjoyed his work as his hobby, his time with his family, and golfing.

Don is survived by his wife, Marion of Mankato; three children, Catherine (Thomas) Bishop of Frankfort, MI, Carol (David) Maas of Fridley, MN, and Robert (Claudia) Colby of Minnetrista, MN; four grandchildren, John (Penny) Bishop, Andrew (Jennifer) Bishop, Amy Nichols, and Robert Donald Colby; five great-grandchildren, Kara, Alison, Payton, Annabel and Ellen; and many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends who were all very special.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Don had a quiet strength, his family and friends will miss his positive outlook, calming manner, and compassion for others, he was 91 going on 70.