"I worked with Don at the "Badge." He was fun to work with but we always got the job finished. He gave me good advice and was so kind. "
In loving memory of
Donald T. "Don" Schmalenberg
May 7, 1928 - June 25, 2019
Donald T Schmalenberg, 91, of Winona, died Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. Don was born on May 7, 1928 in East Grand Forks, MN to Timothy F. and Eunice T (Engstrom) Schmalenberg.
Don (AKA Donnie) was born and raised in East Grand Forks, MN. After graduating from East Grand Forks high school and his parent's divorce, he followed his mother to Rochester, MN. There, he met the love of his life Margaret E. Kemmer. Don and Margaret were married on Sept. 10, 1950 and lived happily together for nearly 69 years,
Over the years Don worked the onion and beet fields of Minnesota and N. Dakota, Marigold Dairy and Gopher Aviation in Rochester, and Northwest Airlines in Bloomington. Don and Margaret have lived in the Winona area since the early 70s, where he worked in business with a friend and later at Badger Construction.
Don and Margaret were blessed with 6 children: David (Robin) Schmalenberg, Joan Pate, Carl (Vikki) Schmalenberg, Karen (Pat) Board, Daniel Schmalenberg (deceased), Timothy Schmalenberg (Tammy); 14 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren.
Don always enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping with his family. He taught all his children and some of the grandkids how to swim and water ski. He enjoyed the fishing life after retirement, especially at his lake property on Cross Lake Minnesota.
Don and Margaret are active and valued members of Calvary Baptist church in Winona. Don's church family has meant so much to him over the years, and their recent prayers and visits have help so much in his transition to his new home with Jesus.
Don's favorite time of the day was early morning, when he made coffee and read his Bible and communed with God in prayer for family, church family and friends.
He will be missed by all of his large extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2019 with visitation starting at 1 p.m., at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview.
Tributes
"Was my second father and was a great teacher .always made me laugh.i love him and will miss him greatly"
"Chase and Margaret- We can't make it to the funeral. But we are sending our condolences. Don- Thanks for being such a good neighbor growing up. Thanks for taking Chase under your wing. He turned into a pretty good guy! Sorry for all the shenanigans you had to put up with. You will be missed!"
"We will miss seeing you in your chair on the deck. We couldn't of asked for a nicer neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers to your family but you will always live on in their memories."
"Don, you were a good friend and we shared the wonderful month of may for our birthdays. You are going to be missed but you and Kent can talk about your fishing days. And I will remember our Mc Donalds lunches. You and Margaret have been wonderful friends for many years."