Donald K. Etrheim

DONALD KENNETH ETRHEIM was born (and baptized) on December 1, 1928 to Norwegian immigrants Sven and Randveig “Randy” (Gjeide) Etrheim on the family farm in Rock County, MN, near Valley Springs, SD. He was the first born American Citizen in the family. The family moved to Balaton, MN where he attended country school and then Balaton High School. He was confirmed at the Florence Lutheran Church in Florence, MN. He helped on the family farm and for neighboring farmers and had many 4-H projects. In 1945, the family moved to Jasper, MN and Donald attended Jasper High School, graduating in 1947. In December 1950 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Piedmont AD 17 for four years making many lasting friendships. He received his honorable discharge and returned to Jasper to farm. On June 1, 1957 he was united in marriage to Devonna Zweep in Garretson, SD. They made their home on a farm east of Jasper. The couple was married for 61 years. Donald enjoyed dancing, especially Polkas and Waltzes. He always said, “You can’t be sad dancing.” He also enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour books, bowling, and helping friends. Near retirement, Donald learned to make lefse, candy, and cookies. He gave most of these treats away to family and friends. His favorite foods to eat were chocolate candy, sour cream raisin pie, lutefisk, and ice cream to fill in the cracks after a meal. Donald really enjoyed attending the activities and events of his children and grandchildren. The great-grandchildren brought many smiles and his heart was big with his love for them all. In 1999 he retired after a Traumatic Brain Injury accident. After 2 1/2years of physical therapy he was able to enjoy life again. During his recovery he found strength and comfort reading the passage printed on the back of this folder.
Donald was an active member of the Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. He was a charter member of the Arthur Moeller American Legion Post 478 of Hardwick, MN, and a life-long member of the Pipestone VFW Post 3814. He was also a member of the Jasper Lions Club, the Eden Rural Fire Board, the Ihlen Senior Citizens, the Sons of Norway, and the Hollyhock Square Dance Club.
In April of 2018, Donald entered into the care of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN. He passed away peacefully there, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the age of 90 years, five months, and 20 days.
Donald is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Devonna of Jasper; five children, Bryan (Donna) Etrheim of Garretson, Robert (Lori) Etrheim of Tyler, MN, Dianne (Brad) Johnson of Russell, MN, Daniel (Chrisann) Etrheim of Brandon, SD, and John (Sheila) Etrheim of Sioux Falls, SD; 16 grandchildren, Nicole (Dave) Trudeau, Tyler (Denielle) Etrheim, Lindsey and Austin Etrheim, Chelsey (Josh) Jackson and Brant (Liz) Etrheim, Rachel, Krista and Ross Johnson, Charissa, Trey and Brooke Etrheim, Brody, Megan, Elise and Griffin Etrheim; five great-grandchildren, Eli, Audrey, Oakley, Emery, Hadley; one brother, Harold (Dallas) Etrheim of Hardwick, MN; sisters-in-law, Shirley Etrheim of LaCrescent, MN, and Darlene Zweep of Garretson; and one brother-in-law, Donald Zweep of Brandon. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and Roger (Jeanette) Etrheim; a sister, Beverly (Dale) Radi; one sister-in-law, Flora Zweep; one brother-in-law, Lloyd Zweep; and his mother- and father-in-law, John and Katie Zweep.

The family will be directing memorials to the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation, the Jasper Fire Department, and the Jasper Ambulance Association.