In loving memory of

Donald Bell
November 17, 1942 - April 14, 2021

Donald Robert Bell, 78, of Dodge Center, Minnesota died on April 14th, 2021 at the VA hospital in Minneapolis while recovering from cancer surgery.

Don enjoyed so many things including going to the casino, golfing, playing pool, reading Louis L'Amour and lunch with his friends. Family always came first for Don. If you needed him, he was there in whatever way you asked. He was a veteran of the US Navy and could always be seen proudly wearing a US Navy baseball cap. He had a Mathematics degree from Mankato State University, that may be why he seemed to do so well at the casino or maybe he just chose to tell us about the winning trips he took there. He enjoyed birding and participated in many Christmas Bird Counts.

Don will be missed by so many people. I know if you could ask him how things are going right now, he would tell you "Peachy!"

He was preceded in the death by his parents, Glen and Ruby Bell. He is survived by his daughter, Robyn (Dennis) Lapko and their children, Avery and Phoebe; two sons, Dan Bell (Crystal Lilya) and dogs Brutus, Hazel, Conky and Emma; and Andy (Kelly) Bell and their children, Ruby, Joseph and Seth; and his three sisters, Pat Hemeseth, Sandy Deno and Glenda Council.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. A private family burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Dover, MN. Due to COVID-19, masks will be required, and social distancing observed.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bell family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Kurt Schroeder wrote on Jan 12, 2022:

"I worked with Don Bell at IBM in the print support for many years. he was a great team lead, and very loyal to IBM and his coworkers. He always wrote a nice Christmas card. I remember the first team meeting that he asked me to lead, I stood up quickly, turned, to Don, and said sternly, "Don, hand out the Union cards. " Everyone laughed but Don! :-) He will be missed."

Nancy Yorke wrote on Apr 18, 2021:

"I worked with Don at IBM and always enjoyed his upbeat attitude. Also have memories of some great pool games against him during the IBM Pool Leagues. My prayers go out to the family."

Tracy Schramm wrote on Apr 16, 2021:

"I worked on the same team as Don at IBM. He was always upbeat and good to work with. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. "

Vicki Schweiger wrote on Apr 16, 2021:

"Don really was a great guy to run in to, he always gave a friendly "hello" no matter where I would see him. He will be missed in the Dodge Center community."

Peggy Kuehntopp Chidester wrote on Apr 16, 2021:

"My husband and I worked with Don at IBM. We loved his happy personality. He will certainly be missed. We will keep your family in our prayers. "

Jerry Wobig wrote on Apr 15, 2021:

"Don was a great lover of birds, golf, pool and Diamond Joe's. He will be greatly missed at lunch on Thursdays and golf later at Hadley Creek."