"I have had the pleasure of knowing Don for many years. He would greet me every morning at 8:00 AM. We'd chat for a bit and then he would go to work in the library. He was very dedicated to his work and always had a book or two in his pockets! Don was very well liked and respected by fellow Veterans and staff. He spoke kindly of his family and loved seeing his grandchildren. He was happy to able to be closer to his family. At the end of each day, he would stop by at tell me to drive safe on the way home. I, fellow Veterans and Staff, will miss him.My sincere sympathy,Ellen NelsonRehab. Therapy SupervisorMN Veterans Home-Hastings"
In loving memory of
Donald Paul Gommels
April 24, 1935 - February 28, 2011
Donald Paul Gommels, 75, of Hastings, MN passed away February 28, 2011. He was born April 24, 1935 in Emmetsburg, IA to Hicko and Gladys (Sampson) Gommels. Donald was a graduate of Emmetsburg High School. He moved to Rochester in the early 1960's with Hiller Carpet. He continued to work for Hiller Carpet for over 30 years. Donald was a veteran of the US Army and was also a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, IA. Donald enjoyed reading and volunteered much of his time to the VA Home library in Hastings. He had a great sense of humor and loved spending his time with his family, especially his grandchildren.Donald is survived by his children, Julie Brown and Gregory (Brandy) Gommels; grandchildren, Krystle, Kourtney, Tim, Ryan, Hannah, Olivia, Faith, Keegan, Teisha, Jasmine, Abigail, Ella and Willow; 6 great-grandchildren, Myia, Alorah, Colton, Candice, Karter and Kylee; siblings, Bob (Linda) Gommels, Judy White, Jan (Dave) Erickson and Rich (Molly) Gommels, and a host of other family and friends.Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Hicko and Gladys Gommels and by his brother-in-law, Dick White.A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester where family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until time of service. Pastor Kelly Reynolds will be officiating with inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.