Donald D. Fogelson age 95 of Westbrook, passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Burial will be in Sillerud Lutheran Cemetery, rural Balaton. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donald Duane Fogelson, the son of Lester and Bertha (Scott) Fogelson was born July 11, 1923 at Frankfort, South Dakota. He grew up on the farm during the Dust Storm of the 30’s, and experienced 7 years with no crops. In 1938, his step-dad said “we leave here or we die.” Donald had just finished his freshman year of high school in Frankfurt as they moved to Minnesota. They settled near Balaton, one mile west of Valhalla corner on a small farm. He stayed home one year before starting his sophomore year at Tracy High School. Don met June Carlson at 4-H Club, and they went together for 6 years before getting married on September 23, 1944. Together, Don and June loved dancing, playing cards, bowling, golfing, and they visited all 50 states. Don was one of three founding members of the Westbrook Golf Course west of town. Don worked in the Balaton and Westbrook banks for 24 years before doing finishing work and woodworking for 17 years with Ryan Noomen. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook where he served as President and a member of the council.
Donald is survived by his children: Aloha (Dave) Buchert of Aitkin, Steven (Pam) Fogelson of Fairmont, and Vangie Nielsen of Lino Lakes; grandchildren: Bruce (Carol) Buchert, Brandi (Steve) Poellinger, Mat (Beth) Fogelson, and Anne (Tony) Pierce; great-grandchildren: Chase & Adam Buchert, Danielle Poellinger, Trinity Allen, and Clay Fogelson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Lester and Bertha Fogelson, step dad Frank Myer, Sr., wife June, son-in-law Donald Nielsen, brothers Harold and Willard Fogelson, and step brother Frank Myer, Jr.
I was so sorry to hear of Don’s death. I enjoyed the afternoon I spent visiting with him for a story and always wanted to get back and visit with him again. May his memory be blessed. Kathy Brandt (writer for the Westbrook Walnut Grove Sentinel Tribune)
My sincere sympathy Vangie and family, I had the privilege of working for your dad at the Westbrook Bank, he always treated me more like a friend than an employee and he stayed a dear friend long after we worked together. He gave me great advice and was always encouraging, and even after we moved away, I received a wonderful letter from him with more advice — straight to the point but I knew it was because he cared! I am so sorry I cannot make it to the service, he will hold a piece of my heart always.
Our deepest sympathy to the Fogelson Family. We will miss Don’s visits to the house and his approval of the changes we made. Don would say he couldn’t stay long, but a cup of coffee and a “sweet treat” would be all it took for a wonderful conversation. His exceptional carpentry skills are abundant throughout the “Folgelson House” especially in the kitchen! We enjoy sharing his talents with all our guests.
My deepest condolences to children and descendants of Don. Please be assured that he now rests in peace with the Lord he so honored with his life. Steve, if you need anything, I’d be happy to help. I’m in your local phone book. May God give you all strength for the coming days and weeks as you celebrate and remember the life of Don.
Sorry for your loss Vangie and Families.
Barb Schmidt Aasen
Saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was a great friend to my dad, Howard Boeck. Don made several pieces of furniture for us & built a screened-in-porch for our home on the farm by Jackson, Mn.
While working on our porch, Don shared his wonderful sense of humor; very dry & witty. Up until that point in time, I thought he was a “stuffy ole banker”. not so. His joyous laughter, smile & friendship will always stay with me.
Farewell, & God Bless you.
A Fond Good Bye From A “Dirt Stiff’s Daughter, Patty Boeck-Holthe