Donald “Don” Gene Paplow age 76 of rural Dundee, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Sanford Westbrook Hospital surrounded by family. Visitation will be held Sunday September 13^th from 4-7 PM at the Westbrook Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment is in the church cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald Gene Paplow was born on October 28, 1949 at Heron Lake Hospital to Raymond and Esther (Weets) Paplow. He was baptized on July 6, 1950, and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church of Heron Lake on May 17, 1964. Don grew up in Southbrook Township near Dundee and attended Westbrook Elementary and High School. There, he participated in and excelled in wrestling, football, and track. He also served as FFA president before graduating with the Class of 1967. Throughout his school years, Don milked cows with his dad and brothers each morning and evening, attending school in between. Later in life, Don returned to school at Jackson Vo-Tech and earned his plumbing degree, with high honors, in 2001.

Don joined the Army Reserves, graduating in 1970 from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He earned awards for physical fitness combat proficiency and sharp shooting. 

On April 3, 1971, Don was united in marriage to Paula Louise Amundson. After beginning married life on the family farm for a short time, he then purchased a farm in Des Moines River Township in 1988. The farm became the family homestead, the center of generations of memories. Here he spent his time raising horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, ducks, cats, and faithful dogs. Don embodied a farmer/cowboy spirit and was known for his farm wisdom and intuition – a gift shared with him by his father. He was a loving, charismatic, kind, noble soul, so passionate about his family and farming, and tireless in his dedication to them. He shared his love of farming with his son Chris, and he shared his love of animals with his daughter Whitney. Don’s father instilled in him a lifelong love of horses – a love he later shared with his daughter, Johanna. They spent summers together, showing and riding horses. Summers of Don’s childhood were filled with trail rides, jousting with large sticks and horses behind the barn alongside his brothers, sister, and cousins.  Don’s definition of a good day was going to a hay auction and shopping at Bomgaars – striking up conversations with everyone he encountered.

Don and Paula were members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where he served as church president and usher. Don also belonged to the Plum Creek Saddle Club, serving as the club’s president, and the American Quarter Horse Association and Pheasants Forever. 

Family get togethers were a time of snuggling and wrestling with Don. He gave “horsey rides” to his children and grandchildren. Time spent with his grandchildren was Don’s greatest joy. In his younger days, Don enjoyed hunting geese, ducks, pheasants, and deer. Multiple fishing trips yielded many cherished memories. He loved watching football – especially the MN Vikings, his grandson – Blake, and his nephews.  He loved traveling with family.  He enjoyed trips to Norway, Hawaii, Colorado, Yellowstone, Montana, the Black Hills, Texas, California, Washington D.C., and many states in between. 

He loved playing fast-pitch softball for Dundee and John’s Body Shop of Worthington, where he was an outfielder; Chuck Engler was the pitcher, his brother Jim was the catcher, his cousin “Puffy” was the center fielder, and good friend Dick Burns was shortstop.  He later played slow-pitch softball for the Westbrook VFW for several years. In addition to softball, Don also enjoyed bowling and played on several area leagues.

Don is survived by his wife Paula; children: Johanna (Michael) Leonelli of Tooele, UT, Christopher (Amy) Paplow of Dundee, & Whitney (Andrew) Madsen of Plymouth; grandchildren: Taelor (Tyler), Ella, Ava, Jenna (Joseph), Blake, Sophie, Halle, Willa, & Mazie; great grandson James; siblings: Duane (Jean) Wehrkamp, James (Sherri) Paplow, Linda (John) Madson, Ronald (Suzie) Paplow, & Raymond Lee (Tisha) Paplow; foreign exchange daughter Monita; four legged friend Koda; right hand man Tilden; and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents.

“Grab my coffee, will ya?”