Donald Friedlein

Donald L. Friedlein, 91, of Willmar, died on Thursday, August 9th at St. Joseph Kidney Institute in St. Paul.

Donald Lawrence Friedlein was born on February 18, 1927, on a farm South of Kerkhoven, Minnesota, the son of Lawrence and Alice (Larsen) Friedlein. He grew up in the Kerkhoven area, where he attended country school. He worked on the family farm and at the Kerkhoven filling station.

Don was united in marriage to Donna Mae Magnuson on September 16, 1950, at Salem Covenant Church in rural Pennock. He entered the United States Army in October of 1950 and was stationed one year at Camp Carson, Colorado Springs, then one year at Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. In August of 1952, Don was transferred to the United States Army Reserves, receiving an Honorable Discharge in October of 1956. He returned to Kerkhoven and worked for Pennock Oil Company and was a manager at Champlin Truck Haven in Willmar, as well. In 1965, he began working as a printer for Maracom in Willmar and became the Shop Foreman. He worked there for over 30 years.

Don was baptized and confirmed at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church. He was an active member of Salem Covenant Church and served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sound Technician and he and Donna volunteered with the Maranatha Singers and were Youth Leaders for 25 years. He served as a board member for West Central Youth for Christ, Fly-Away Promotions, Inc., and Lake Beauty Bible Camp. He also volunteered many years for the SonShine Music Festival.

Don’s passions were his faith, family, and friends; he enjoyed music (especially good ol’ Gospel), helping others (especially the youth of the community), and coffee-time with friends. His hobbies included woodworking (he was a Master Craftsman), fishing, hunting, and he could “fix anything”!