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Donald R. Klaustermeier Obituary – 11/17/2017


Donald R. Klaustermeier, age 73, of Norwood Young America, passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.

He was born Aug. 18, 1944, in Norwood, the son of Emil and Dora (Stuedeman) Klaustermeier. Donald was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Benton Township, rural Cologne.

Don graduated from Central High School, class of 1962.

He was proud of the time he spent in the military serving his country.

Donald was united in marriage to Marian Ische July 10, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church, Benton Twp., rural Cologne, by Rev. Melchert.

Donald took his first breath on his parents’ farm, and his last breath on his farm. He farmed all of his life side-by-side with his wife of 51 years, Marian. Milking the cows for 41 years, raising feeder cows, along with all of the field work through all elements of the weather in good times and hard times, Don never gave up, and was dedicated to taking care of the farm, not ever taking too much time off. When he did leave the farm, Don enjoyed going out to eat with friends, going to coffee on Monday morning with his regular group of guys drinking chocolate milk, spending time with his family for holidays, and birthday parties, and going to his grandchildren’s sports, which included T-ball, swimming, volleyball, basketball and track.

Some of his proudest moments were watching his granddaughter, Nicole, win the state volleyball championship last week, attending the wedding of his oldest grandchild, Jessica, to her husband, Roland; watching his grandson, Tyler, graduate college with a degree in farm management to carry on the family legacy, giving his granddaughter, Ellie, her first combine ride this fall, and teaching his grandson and little farming buddy, Jaden, how to crop farm and drive a four-wheeler, “gator” and Bobcat.

Don liked spending time in the garden, enjoying all of the vegetables he had grown. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, going to auctions and toy shows, and the annual outings to Farm Fest, Pioneer Power, and the Carver County Fair.

He was not only a farmer, but a great teacher, teaching his children and grandchildren the values of family, love, laughter, dedication, and hard work. He left this life doing what he loved every second of every day.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Dora Klaustermeier; sisters and brothers-in-law Evangeline and Donald Hedtke, and Lois and Dean Richardson; brother Virgil Klaustermeier; sister-in-law LeeAnn Klaustermeier; father-in-law and mother-in-law Marvin and Evelyn Ische; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Marvin Ische Jr., Joy Ische, Brian Ische, and Mike Branscum; and nephew Chris Hennes.

Don is survived by his loving family: wife Marian; children Sherry (Brian) Meade of New Hope, Scott (Theresa) Klaustermeier of Waconia, and Sara (Matt) Yaeck of Norwood Young America; grandchildren Jessica (Roland) Owczarek, Tyler Klaustermeier and special friend Katie Capaul, Nicole Klaustermeier, Jaden Yaeck, and Ellie Yaeck; and his first great-grandchild, arriving in April.

He is further survived by brothers Melvin (Pam) Klaustermeier of Menominee, WI, Roger (Deb) Klaustermeier, and David (Mary) Klaustermeier, all of Norwood Young America; sister Janet (William) Paul of Wyoming; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Juliene Klaustermeier of Waconia, Maureen (Bob) Kahle of Belle Plaine, Ivan (Gwen) Ische of Arlington, Kevin (Deb) Ische of Waconia, Darvin (Sam) Ische of Victoria, Joanne (Alan) Benson of St. Bonifacius, Steven (Kim) Ische of Victoria, Alan (Renae) Ische of Norwood Young America, and Troy (Kelly) Ische of Waconia; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Don’s funeral service took place Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norwood Young America, with the Rev. Josh Bernau officiating.

There was visitation Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a chapel service at 7 p.m.; continuing Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Interment was at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Roland Owczarek, Jessica Owczarek, Tyler Klaustermeier, Nicole Klaustermeier, David Klaustermeier, Melvin Klaustermeier, Roger Klaustermeier, Matt Yaeck, and Brian Meade.

Honorary casket bearers were Jaden Yaeck, and Ellie Yaeck.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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