1923 – Donald Duane Fogelson – 2019
Donald Duane Fogelson, the son of Lester and Bertha (Scott) Fogelson was born July 11, 1923 at Frankfurt, South Dakota. He grew up on the farm during the Dust Storm of the 30’s, and experienced seven 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, Minnesota 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 six 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, Minnesota 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 passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center at the age of 95.
Donald is survived by his children: Aloha (Dave) Buchert, Aitkin, MN, Steven (Pam) Fogelson, Fairmont, MN and Vangie Nielsen, Lino Lakes, MN; grandchildren: Bruce (Carol) Buchert, Brandi (Steve) Poellinger, Mat (Beth) Fogelson, and Anne (Tony) Pierce; great-grandchildren: Chase and Adam Buchert, Danielle Poellinger, Trinity Allen, and Clay Fogelson; and many nieces and nephews. He was 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.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Burial will be in Sillerud Lutheran Cemetery, rural Balaton. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
