Donald W Rachut

Donald William Rachut, age 85, of North Mankato, died Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in North Mankato, with Rev. Vance Becker officiating. Visitation will be 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday at Mankato Mortuary, with Time for Memories at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Mason City, IA. Memorials are preferred to VINE or to the donor's choice.

Don was born on August 30, 1923 in Manly, IA. He was the son of Emil and Wilma (Grutzmacher) Rachut. Don served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a combat veteran. He graduated from Wartburg College and received a Law Degree from Drake University. Don was united in marriage to Helen (Frederick) Dale on August 6, 1983 in North Mankato. He retired from Mankato West High School where he was a student counselor. Don was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in North Mankato. He enjoyed reading many newspapers, watching Lawrence Welk, and was a fan of the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Don is survived by his wife, Helen of North Mankato; three children, Eric (Linda) Rachut of Moody, TX, Sonja (Hans) Hanson of Ankeny, IA, and Rica Rachut of North Mankato; three step-children, Lea (Jon) Erickson of Lakeville, Jeff (Tami) Dale of Farmington, and Laura (Tom) Portz of Wayzata; thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marie (Perkins) Rachut; and two sisters, Dee Fanning and Dorothy Stallings.