Donald Delbert Ahlstrom

Donald Delbert Ahlstrom, 85 of Mankato, passed away on October 14, 2019 at Ecumen Pathstone Living in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 at Bethel Baptist Church in Mankato, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Mankato. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family.

Donald was born October 29, 1933 to Delbert and Florence (Cole) Ahlstrom in Marietta, Minnesota. He graduated from Mankato West High School in 1952. Following high school, Donald attended MSU, and served in the US Army from 1954-1957. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Donald took a world tour on a motor scooter, visiting several countries in the Middle East, India, and Japan. He was united in marriage to Karen Hillson in 1963. Together, they raised two children, Sonja and Brian. Donald taught as an elementary teacher in Roseville for 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, walking (often up to six miles), and faithfully led Bible studies for many years.

Donald is survived by his wife, Karen of 56 years; children, Sonja (David) Venberg of Chaska, Minnesota; Brian (Akiko) Ahlstrom of Akita, Japan; grandchildren, Kaela (Jack) Donaldson, Kyle Venberg, Alicia and Jonah Ahlstrom; sibling, Barb (Tom) Smith, Charlie (Chris) Ahlstrom, Mary Palmquist (Darwin, deceased), Pastor Bob (Carolyn) Ahlstrom, Russ (Dee) Ahlstrom, and Larry (Debbie) Ahlstrom; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a niece.

Don was dearly loved and will be immeasurably missed. We celebrate his legacy of faith, his love of family and friends, and the fact that he is now rejoicing with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.