"We all are saddened by Uncle Don's passing. We enjoyed the times we spent together. He was the backbone of the family - he was the glue that held so many of us together. We have great memories and think of him often! We wish you the best during this difficult time."
In loving memory of
Donald E. Kinsella
August 25, 1918 - August 6, 2011
ROCHESTER, MINN: Donald (Don) Kinsella, 92, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, August 6, 2011 at Samaritan Bethany on Eighth. A celebration of his life will be held 12:00 noon August 12, 2011 at Pax Christi Catholic Church 4135 18th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN, where Don was a member for 39 years. Celebrant will be Father Pratap Saliblinda.Visitation will be from 11:00 to 12:00 noon prior to the service at the church.
Donald Edward Kinsella was born August 25, 1918 near Sauk Centre, MN to James and Cecelia (Pfeiffer) Kinsella. On November 7, 1939 he married Lorraine Herzog in Melrose, MN.
Don started his career at the age of 14 with a newspaper route. At the age of 16, he won a trip to New York City by selling subscriptions to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Don owned and operated several businesses during his lifetime including window manufacturing, Maytag appliances, selling insurance and cars. The family moved to Rochester in 1968 where he opened Don Clark Motors, selling motorcycles, snowmobiles, trucks and cars.
After retirement he was a member of S.C.O.R.E., Channel One, and a silent Santa for needy families in our area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, sports and was an avid gardener. His unique garden brought him tremendous pride and he enjoyed showing and sharing its bounty with every visitor.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Lorraine; brother, Art (Pat) Kinsella of Fargo, ND; children, James (Marge) Kelly of Andover, MN, Thomas Kinsella of Bloomington, MN,John (Julianne) Kinsella of Rochester and Mary Kay Kinsella of Franklin, MN; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his sisters, Mabel Way, Delores Kennedy and by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to Father Caesar's Uganda Relief. Make check payable to Pax Christi Catholic Church with a memo to Father Caesar Dralega.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Have many fond childhood memories of time spent with Uncle Don, and his family. Blessings and love to all. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John14:2)."
"I have many fond childhood memories of time spent with Uncle Don and his family. Blessings and love to his family. John 14: 1-4 Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.""
"At this time of loss, we need to celebrate the full life that Don shared with so many people. Shortly after the Kinsella family arrived in Rochester, I had the priviledge to make a life-long, and valued friendship with his son; John. Through the years, I was welcomed on many occasions into their home as not only a friend of the family but also as a member of the family. Don would take the time to share his many interests and show with pride his gardens and his many creations. Our prayers are with the Kinsella family at this time of loss and the mourning experienced is softened by the rightful celebration of his rich and rewarding life. David and Teresa Silker"