Donald T. "Don" Schmalenberg

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.