I have a lot of fond memories of my grandpa.  He was very supportive and helpful by nature.  It seems like whenever somebody needed help, he and grandma were always there.  Every time any of the grandkids were moving, he was there helping us pack.  Any time a sink broke or a car broke down, or someone needed a ride, grandma and grandpa were there to help.

I was on the downhill skiing in high school.  It's not exactly a spectator sport the same way that hockey or basketball are, but they drove the 45 minutes down to Buck Hill and spent the whole afternoon just to watch my two 30 second runs.  That really meant a lot to me.  


My fondest memory of grandpa was dancing with him at his 80th birthday celebration!!!He felt so proud to be around all of his loved ones at the VFW where him and grandma danced with all of their friends. Such a kind soul who would always offer his help cleaning or fix anything and of course to offer you a beer!!!  You will be well missed by all and we will see you again one day in heaven!!! Love you grandpa Sarah

Grandpa,

There are so many stories I could share about my grandpa, but I’ll keep it to a memory that really stands out. 

During my freshman year of college, I was living in a dumpy co-ed Fraternity house.  Every Thursday night, we would have kegs in the basement. I was a bookish freshman, and it felt like everyone else at the house was so much cooler than me.  
One Thursday evening, Grandpa and Grandma came by the house with Tom, Diane, Aaron and Andy.  They had been at a hockey game at Mariucci arena. I proudly gave them all a tour of the house, from my small room to the dirty bathrooms. The tour ended in the basement, where quite a few people were enjoying the Thursday night beer.  
As I was showing them around, a couple of the cool seniors came over to me with big smiles.  “Danielle, is that your dad?” while pointing to Don.  
“No, that’s my grandpa.” I responded. 
“You’re grandpa?!  That’s awesome!  Does he want a beer?!” I went to grab $5 to pay for his cup, and the guys stopped me. “No, your grandpa gets free beer.”
And from that moment on, I had so much more street cred with these guys, because my grandpa enjoyed some beers with the cool kids in the frat and everyone thought that was amazing.  

Thanks for always being the coolest. I love you grandpa. 

Love,
Danielle


RIP Grandpa.  Love you!!  Til I see you on the other side.
Love,    Steve

Dad, 
I miss you dearly.  You were a proud, but also a very humble person.  You didn't like to talk about yourself and was more interested in hearing about others' hopes and dreams.  Even though you were aware of the failings of human nature, you always tried to help others using all your considerable talents. (Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tiling and concrete work to name a few.)  You will be sorely mised in a world that is becoming more selfish and self centered.
I would love to have one more Christmas Eve feast with you at the head of the table carving up the prime rib, making sure everyone is satisfied before eating the left over scraps.
Love Always,   Jim

Gopher hockey game.  Grandma, Grandpa, Diane, Tom, Max, and Paul.

Outdoor Gopher hockey game, -15 degree air temperature.  Grandma and Grandpa are always up for anything! 

We love you Grandpa and are going to miss you dearly!  Your support for your family was unrivaled and how much you gave of yourself to others really showed today at your celebration.  Aaron and I talked tonight about how amazing it was to have grandparents like you and Grandma that never missed one of our hockey games growing up, incredible.  Your support went well well beyond that though, you two were always there for us.   You set a great example of hard work and dedication to family for everyone under your umbrella to follow, and that legacy will carry on for generations. The day was beautiful at your celebration and you’d be happy to know that your mongoose made an appearance and was able to scare quite a few people!  Love you and hope the card games have begun (you boys save some beer for the rest of us).

(Eulogy Part 1)
Dear Big Brother/Don/Donnie,

You were Big brother to Mary Ann, Junior and me and we surely looked up to you. You forged a path for us, as we grew up. We proudly claimed you, in HS, football and the neighborhood. On occasion, I even sing your praises out here. 

Then you went to war. After the long, worrisome wait, you returned and we exploded with relief and pride, not sure which was greater. You did not speak a lot about the war, but I did not forget your souvenir bullet, “meant for you”, given to you from a buddy, who removed it from the gun with the cross hairs on you. You clearly had more life to live. A true hero. Can you believe that was 65 years ago?

Then on to Minneapolis, marrying Joan and the arrival of 4 kids. You and Joan accomplished what most of us could never have done. Do you remember those days when you and Joan took those beautiful toddlers to visit Mom and Dad. Good thing I didn’t have kids for a while. By the time my kids came along your kids were at the age where they could look after my kids in that tiny 2 bedroom apartment. Then came the grandkids, the hockey trips and more. You and Joan were there and are still there for those kids and don’t think that they don’t appreciate you and love you always. 

Kraus-Anderson, Cargill, Macy’s, Mall of America to name a few. You left your mark. Your meticulous attention to detail and perfection did not go unnoticed. A country kid, who milked cows, fed pigs and shoveled manure, became a sought after supervisor of massive construction projects. Even had to delay your retirement delayed to complete your last project. 

Then building airplanes. Not one, but two, and a hangar to boot, and Joan always there to work with you. You knew that no one else would have not only allowed you, but be your right hand lady, assisting you always. If they still fly, I know those planes are the safest ones in the air. 

(Eulogy Part 2) 
When you were 10 years old, while at 4-H camp, you got the news of your brother’s accidental death. In your words “it felt like the worst kick in the stomach ever.” Your 15 year old brother, gone. He was supposed to also be at that camp, but he gave up camp to thresh oats – it was threshing season and the threshers were moving through the neighborhood. He would drive the rig from arm to farm. Suddenly he was gone. I was too young to really understand, but you were suddenly our big brother with the job and responsibility that went along with it. And, yes, you served honorably. 

2 years ago, we walked together through the back of “your farm”, the farm where we all grew up. I am so glad you took us through there for one more time. Things changed but it brought back a lot of memories. Always a farm boy at heart. One look at your garage walls covered with memories, genuine souvenirs of earlier days. And that Mongoose that jumped out at us never got old. 

You are brave in your illness. Yes, it is hard to depend on others. But, now it is your turn. You and Joan nursed your kids in sickness. Then Joan’s tragic accident – you took over. You and Joan took over in Mom and Dad’s last days. You saw the need and you both responded. We are grateful. So rest in peace, my brother. You will always be our big brother. 

Love, Delores

PS. Donnie, I started this the evening of our last conversation. Now we are mourning your loss. I had hoped that one of your daughters could have read this to you. But you are now at peace, without pain, with Mom, Dad, Dickie, Mary Ann, and the many others who have gone before. See you later, Dear Brother, I love you. 

Joan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Donnie too. 
Love,
Rod, Dee, Emma, Evan and Caden


Joan and Family,
We were so saddened to hear about the loss of Don. He had such a kind spirit and always had something nice to say. He was like a breath of fresh air in a polluted environment. We will truly miss seeing him in the yard during our daily walks. 
We love you,
Katherine & Inez


Joan and Family,
I have so many fond memories of the days on Mississippi Lane and Don worked on our home. Thinking of you all at this sad time. 
Barb (Hippie) Optz


Dear Joan,
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a very good friend. Take care. 
Very sincerely,
Al Eslinger


Just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Our prayers are with you. 
Bruce Engelsma

Dear Joan, Diane, Janice, Jim and Maxine-
I am so very sorry about Don’s passing. He was such a kind, gentle, man. I have so many memories of him. I had dinner at your house so many times and he would tell me jokes and make us all laugh. My dad was quite strict and was always working. Don was such a delight to me and I truly considered him as my father because of his kind nature. I remember the morning my dad died, we were told to go outside and play. Brad and I went right to your house and Don played with us in the snow. I will never forget how wonderful he was to us. (While you were in the kitchen making something yummy for us.)  I will love him always! You are all so very special to me. Don is in heaven now and I’m so glad he no longer has to suffer. 
All my love,
Sarah

Dear Aunt Joan,
I was so sorry I wasn’t able to make it to Uncle Donny’s funeral. Please know that I love you both very much. Having you and Uncle Donny as God Parents has meant a lot to me. I have a lot of memories of both of you and there a couple that stand out: getting the best gift a little girl could ever ask for…the fridge, sink, & stove that Uncle Donny made for me and then he took me on my very first plane ride.  Again, I love you very much. Hope to see you soon. 
Love, 
Tammy and Wayne


To Joan and Family,
It is hard to begin to express sympathy and words of encouragement. Your loss has touched me deeply. May you find comfort in your many happy memories of Don. Time heals all wounds and you have beautiful memories to help you. My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. 
God Bless,
Jerry Daugherty


Dear Joan and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Don a few times at KA and knew right away he was a special man & craftsman. My father John also worked with Don and thought very highly of him as well. 
Dave & Cindy Brostrom


Dear Joan,
We loved Don. I hope we can meet somewhere and have lunch. All my love and sympathy. 
God bless you. 
Marcia 


May God grant you peace, joy, comfort, blessings and above all love. Allow yourself to accept all his gifts. Joan, so sorry to hear about Donnie. He was my favorite cousin even though we only visited each summer for a long weekend. You have my sympathy and prayers. 
Kappie Murray


Aunt Joan, Diane, Jan, Jim, and Max-
As the card says…there are no words that can convey our sadness at the news of Donny’s death. I will always remember how much he loved getting together to play some cards and have a few beers. Joan, don’t know if you remember the little desk that Don built for me and Gramma and Grandpa gave to me one Christmas when I was about 10. I still have it…I used it, my kids used it, and now I still have it for storage of Kitchen towels and seasonal table runners and such. Our thoughts are with you all. 
Jim and Janine Hornblad


Joan,
We pray that all your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time. Don was, and will always be such a great person. He was so much fun at the hockey games and at family gatherings. He will be in our hearts forever. Big hugs to you and your wonderful family. 
Love,
Dan and Marsha Zeller


Our thoughts and love are with you. 
Debra Schmidt and Fred Bilke


Loved his laugh and we will miss him.  We are sorry for your loss of this great man. 
Love & blessings,
Dave and Sandy Bering


Bless you in this time of sorry. You remain in our prayers. 
God Bless You,
Nancy & Carl Nord


I will always hold “Uncle Donny” close to my heart. He was a wonderful man in  my life, leaving me with many pleasant memories. 
Mary Smasal and John Anderson


I cannot be there for your but my thoughts are with you. “Uncle Donny” was special to me.  
God Bless,
Lori Grzesczcak

Your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Kerry and Cathy Steimnetz


I am so sorry for your family loss. 
Jane Julien


Our thoughts are with you all at the passing of Don, your husband, dad & grandpa. 
Sue and Pat Julien


I will always remember Donnie’s smile! Treasure the memories!
Nancy Schauer

I will miss Donny – he was like a brother to me. A good man forever. 
Ike Fellow


Joan and Family,
So sorry about the loss of Don. We shared a lot of good times at hockey with you and our families. Call me when you need a friend. 
Love, 
Joanne Johnson


So sorry for your loss. Don will be missed by many. 
Love Mary & Chuck Okeefe


May God comfort you, Joan, and the family. Donny was so special to me, like a second dad. I’m so thankful to have gotten to know both of you during the KA days. 
Love, Meredith


Our sympathy to you and your family. Our memories of Donnie are many with all the fun times and dances in the past years. We will miss him dearly. 
Roger & Carol Ruth


So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
God Bless,
Arlene & Jim


Dear Joan & Family,
We were so sorry to hear Donnie died. May he rest in peace. Remember the good times!
Love, 
Harold & Irene


Our thoughts are with you and your family
Love,
Al & Dorene


We have made a donation in Don’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of MN. We’ve lost a very nice man. Rest in Peace, Don. 
Linda, Ruby and Jack


Dear Joan and Family,
Sending lots of prayers your way filled with much love & hope. May Donnie’s memories bring joy to your days ahead. 
P.S. I was very blessed to have met Donnie, only a few times, but what joy he brought to my day! He will be forever remembered. 
Love n Hugs,
Karen Stoltz


Dear Joan,
You have our sincere condolences. We have fond memories of both you & Don at the Osceola Airport hangar potlucks & gatherings. We’re also very grateful to have a part of Don’s craftmanship in our home. The crown moldings that you & Don hung in our family room are still there today. Sending our thoughts and prayers. 
Dan & Suzy Burch


Dear Joan,
You have my deepest sympathy. I know how hard it was. I will be here for support you. Love you very much. 
Carol


Our hearts go out to you. We are thinking of you as you cry and we cry with you. 
Sincerely, with love – 
Delores 
Eric, Mary & Family, 
Tanya, Jeff & Family
Carmen, & Family


Dear Joan,
My deepest sympathy to you. 
Andy Schmitz


So sorry to hear of Uncle Don’s passing. We are thinking of all of you. Take Care. 
Kathy, Jeff, Justin & Jacob


Joan,
Don was a wonderful friend and neighbor to us. He will be dearly missed. Especially those backyard visits with lots of laughs and few cold beverages.  Some day Fred & I will be going to dance (just like you & Don) & when we do, we will remember Donny and it will bring a warm smile to our faces again. We feel blessed to have known him. Thinking of you during these difficult days. 
Love, 
Julie and Fred


Joan,
Sorry to hear about Donny. Our hearts and prayer go out to you and your family. I always remember Don always said he enjoyed watching us cousins getting together and talking. We will miss him but he will be with Mom & Dad playing cards. 
Love,
Marie and Darren


Thinking of your family at this time. 
Jessica, VC



Joan & Family,
Works cannot express how inspirational you all have been. You are a wonderful group and it was an honor to care for your loved one. Don was a joy!
Always,
Barb O, RN


Joan,
With heartfelt thoughts the entire Aseracare Team joins in expressing our sympathy for your lsos. May your heart and should find solace and serenity. 
Trish, BCC


Joan & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your family and you find support knowing that Don is at peace. May God bless you all. 
Kathy, RN


Joan & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May comfort find you often. 
Emmy, RN


Joan & Family,

Blessings to you. May the memories of the love you shared bring peace. 
Tom, SCC


Joan & Family, 
I am sorry about your loss. Thank you for sharing all the stories about him. Your family is so beautiful. Many prayers will be said for your family.  
Connie, MSW, LICSW


Joan and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. You have our thoughts and prayers. 
Brent Bunne, Colett Deser


We have good memories of past parties along with Paula’s parents. 
Sincerely,
Paula and Al Modjeski


Don was like a second dad to me. 
Daryl Ring


I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Please know you are your families will be in my thoughts and prayers. 
Kay Burch


Don will be deeply missed for now by your family and many friends. I feel honored to have met Don. He was not only brilliant, but so very kind. 
Sincerely, Lisa & Tom Stangl and Judy Hollie


Grandpa,
Its been a little while since you've passed and it doesnt get any easier to wrap my head around.  There are so many memories, and laughs that we shared.   I'll never forget all the jokes you told and all the little pranks you pulled.   Love you and miss you,  Scott

Hi Grandpa Don,
I will really miss your wonderful smile and caring personality.  You became the grandpa that I never had.  My grandfather didn't live nearby and passed away when I was pretty young, so I never became very close with him.  I saw what a special relationship that Aaron and you shared and felt so fortunate be a part of it all when I came into the picture.  It felt so effortless to feel at home when I am around you and Grandma.  After Aaron and I got married, you checked with me every time we came back to visit whether we still remembered the advice you gave us during our wedding tea ceremony.  So don't worry, I will never forget your words of wisdom :)  You will truly be missed!
Lilian

Grandpa was always caring, witty, genuine, and overall a wonderful person. I remember after Andy and I got engaged, he told me how blessed he was to have so many great in-laws join the family. Grandpa, we are all truly the lucky ones to have married into such an amazing family that you and Grandma raised. We love and miss you so much! 
Jess 

Hi Grandpa,
It’s still hard to believe you’re gone, I keep reminiscing on the past times shared and they always brings a smile to my face.  Your funeral was perfect, with good memories, tears, and laughter shared by all.   Even your mongoose made an appearance, I think that thing might outlive us all :)  The support that showed for Grandma was amazing too.  She and the rest of us couldn’t have been more pleased on the way it turned out.  I knew you had touched a lot of lives during your time, with your unique charismatic personality.  Seeing all of those people and hearing old stories from your sister and friends on the kind of person you were, really reaffirmed my perception of you.  You never wavered on what you believed to be right and fair;  whether it was passionately standing up for the working man, fighting for your country, or taking care of your family and friends.  You always put others needs in front of your own and truly had a life well lived.


We, your grandkids, were so lucky to have you as our grandpa.  The level of support that we received from you and Grandma was unrivaled.  You were always there for us.  While we were growing up you were the indestructible one, you could do anything and nothing could harm you.  In my eyes, you were able to build homes, skyscrapers, and planes all on your own, because that was just what ‘grandpa’ did.  That was my perception of you growing up.  You were a Superman of sorts, as tough and hard as the steel you worked with.  You wore that steel armour, but on the inside we all knew a softer side resided.  You were selfless in your actions, strong in your values, and lead by example for us to follow.  I will keep your lessons close to my heart.  As an adult now, it really is amazing to reflect on what you were able to accomplish in life.  My youthful perception really wasn’t far off from reality.  You really were a modern day hero, a real man’s man and I’ll always remember the way you lived life.  Also, speaking for myself, I know your selfless, supportive acts went thankless at times.  So I’d like to take this to truly thank you for all you’ve did for us, your family.  We were truly blessed to have you in our lives.  Even though it wasn’t said much, I really hope you knew how much we loved and appreciated you.  You were the best.  I’ll miss you greatly Grandpa and I look forward to our next meeting.  Speaking for myself and the rest of your grandkids, we love you and we’ll Zya!

Aaron

I am sorry to hear of your loss! Donny was a friend to my Dad, Bill Holmlund at Kraus Anderson Construction Company.  I remember my parents, Bill and Darolene Holmlund, having a dinner date with Donny and Joan years ago. Donny took them up in a plane and flew them to a place north of the cities, where  they enjoyed an evening together for dinner. My Parents never forgot that time. And they held that memory and their friendship in their hearts forever.  My Dad passed away 2 weeks ago on August 31, 2018. I know that Donny and my Dad are eternal friends in heaven.  May your family find peace and love in the memories shared at this difficult time. 
With Sincere Sympathy, Nancy (Holmlund) McDougle

I worked with Donny at Kraus-Anderson -Laurel  Village jobsite. We struck up an amazing friendship and my husband Lee along with a few others and Donny and Joan had such fun! Donny was a good friend and we loved hanging out with him and Joan. We miss you and our prayers are with his family.  

Smiling, always smiles- especially watching hockey. So many wonderful memories. Peace and love to the entire family. Julie & Terry Edwards

Visitation

Celebration of Life

Reception

Preceded in death by Parents, Steve and Catherine; and 2 Siblings, Richard and Maryann. 

Survived by Loving Wife of 62 years, Joan; Children, Diane (Tom) LaHoud, Jan (Don) Gibson, Jim (Dalia) and Max (Paul) Julien; Grandchildren, Steve (Emily) Gibson, Andy (Jessica) LaHoud, Aaron (Lilian) LaHoud, Danielle (Corey) Schreppel, Scott (Sarah) Gibson, David (Carolina) Julien and Nicole Willam;  Great-grandchildren, Olivia, Nolan, Silas, Cooper, Haven, Ben, Kylie and McKenzie; Siblings, Delores Oemig and Steve, Jr.; Loving Relatives and Friends.

OBITUARY

Donald M. Willam

November 13, 1932 – August 29, 2018

Gearhart Funeral Home

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