Donald G. Salfer, age 80 of Redwood Falls, formerly of Wabasso, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 18, 2015 in Temple, TX. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 25 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Burial is in St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Anne’s School or the Wabasso Lions Club. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting family with arrangements.
Donald George Salfer was born January 2, 1935 on the family farm in New Avon Township, Minnesota to George and Louise (Zins) Salfer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. Donie attended St. Anne’s School and gave the nuns a run for their money. He began farming at an early age and continued until his death. In 1957, Donie enlisted in the Army Reserve where he was a shooting instructor and a truck mechanic. He was discharged from active duty on May 1, 1958 and transferred to the National Guard Tank Company in Redwood Falls. On March 21, 1987 Donie was united in marriage to Julie Kallstrom at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hinckley, at the age of 52. Donie enjoyed using his mechanical abilities and creativity to build and fix things. He was a member of the Wabasso Lions Club, St. Anne’s Catholic Order of Foresters, and served on various committees. Donie enjoyed playing cards, bowling, hunting, fishing, gardening, dancing, and tinkering in the shop. The company of his family and friends is what he enjoyed most about his hobbies. Donie put aside everything to spend time with family.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife Julie; four children: Steven (Kayla) Salfer of Wabasso, Lisa (Jim) Bosworth of Algona, IA, Laura Hendricks of Atwater, and Brenda (Ryan) Rothmeier of Redwood Falls; grandchildren: Levi Salfer; Ashley and Brianna Miller, Katy Hood, Nicole Bosworth, Samantha Hood; Alex, Kendra, and Mason Hendricks; Tanner, Genna, and Michael Rothmeier; sister Louise (LaVern) Honetschlager; brother Alfred (Florence) Salfer; brother-in-law Joseph Schouviller; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Irene Honetschlager, Justine Schouviller, and Lucille in infancy, brother-in-law Edmund Honetschlager, and nephew Stephen Honetschlager. Blessed be his memory.
Oh, my dear Julie, I am so very, very sorry. You’ve been on my mind constantly since Judy called. I hope and pray I can get to see you at this time in your life….my mind goes back many years to our teaching days and the beginning of your life with Donie – and of the day we spent all afternoon visiting at Perkins in St. Cloud. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with you, Julie, and your family. Just last week I reread your Christmas card, and how you mentioned the joy Donie got and how it “made his day” when Stephen’s little one would come and help do chores in the morning. Much love, many prayers and thoughts are with you….gracie
Dear Julie, It is with great sadness I received word of Donie’s death. Although we didn’t meet often when e did, I could see how much he enjoyed meeting all the family. I recall how he spoke of our “southern hospitality”, and that he and my husband, Wayne, would tell each other stories. It was a pleasure to know such a gentleman.
Oh, dear Julie, there is a hole in the world and in our hearts. Please know that you are surrounded by the love of God and the love of your friends and family during this very difficult time. Lean on that love for strength just as you have provided strength for us over the years. We remember so many times with Donie; one especially is the “shiv-er-ee” he and Alfred arranged after Mother and Floyd were married. Oh, how he enjoyed pulling that surprise!
Much love, Marcia & Jeff
Dear Julie,
I feel it has beem a privilege to have gotten to meet you and Donie. I will always remember his perpetual smile and fish stories. I loved listening to. I know he loved his family and time with them. So glad you came to South Padre this year. Have no regrets just hold on to precious memories.May God be your strength and comfort.
love to you and your family.,
sandra n phil
Dear Julie—-I am so sad for you in the sudden loss o f Donnie. I just remember how much you loved each other and what a wonderful life that you have had together. I pray that God will give you special blessings and support during this time. — Cherish the memories that you and Donnie have had together. Blessings to your family, too. In Christian Love, Peggy Cahoon (from Hinckley School)
Dear Julie and Family – My heart hurts for you and your family. When I heard the news, all I could think of was oh how Gerald and Donnie can have their chats again! Sending my sympathy to you and your family. I know he will be missed by many. May God guide you in your time of need.
Karen Weber
Dear Cousin Julie,
You have my heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your loving Donie. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. Becky
Julie,
Our prayers and supportive thoughts are sent out to you and your family.
Love,
Mark, Deb and Ian Stevens
Julie,so sorry to here of Donnie’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Ray and Barb Smith
Julie,
So sorry to hear about Donnie. I am so glad that you came to South Padre. I will always remember his smile. May your memories help get you through this difficult time. You and the family are in my prayers.
Gladys
Juli,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear that Donie passed away when Bev called and told me. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Linda
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May the Lord comfort your hearts.
(We are Uncle and Aunt of Kayla)
Sorry to hear of Don passing away .You and your family have are condolences. We are out in Az. And heard the news. You are in are thoughts and prayers. Eugene and Sharon Heiling
Kayla, Steve and Family
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. It is never easy to lose a parent and loved one.
Take Care
Love Donna and Curt
Julie,
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing, Julie. You and the rest of your family have our deepest sympathy. We are out of town for awhile, so can’t make it to any services. Take care.
Julie,
So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Donnie and my husband went into the army at the same time. He passed away last September. He talked about his army days often. May Donnie rest in peace. My prayers are with you and your family. May the love of your family carry you through this difficult time.
Dear Julie and family, We have been thinking of you. We are so sorry to hear that Donie passed away. I enjoyed visiting with both of you at Garnette Gardens. You were both so generous with your time, visiting with my Mom, Theresa. She will greatly miss Donie and his welcoming smile. My Dad, Bill Zins, always liked Donie and enjoyed visiting with him, too. God Bless you and your family. Monica and Ron
Julie and family; We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a great neighbor and we will miss him at the lake. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Barb