Donald Marthaler

Donald F. Marthaler, age 82, of Greenwald, died after a long courageous struggle with cancer on Saturday, October 31, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Greenwald.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 5 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald with Rev. Tom Becker officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Lake Henry American Legion Post 612.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. St. Michael's Men's Society will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. and the Lake Henry American Legion at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Donald Frank Marthaler was born August 24, 1927 in Greenwald to William and Anna (Berns) Marthaler. He graduated from high school and was drafted into the service in 1945. He spent two years in the U.S. Army serving in Germany as a Tech Sergeant 3. Donald returned to Greenwald after his time in the Army and on May 2, 1950 he married Marion Christine Welle in Greenwald. Donald began working for his father whom in 1925 had established and owned Marthaler Chevrolet Co. After his father retired in 1973, Donald and his brother, Virgil, started Marthaler Motors selling and repairing cars, trucks, and snowmobiles until retiring in 1998. His favorite motor was the Chevrolet 350 c.i. small block that was like him, strong and reliable over time. Donald always gave his time and knowledge to help his family, friends, and his customers whenever needed without hesitation. He enjoyed reading, working on cars, spending time with family, and helping his brothers on the farm.

Donald was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald, St. Michael's Men's Society, Lake Henry American Legion Post 612, and the Corvair Club of Minnesota.

The family would like to thank the St. Cloud Hospice, and especially Pat Scherping for her gentle care and kindness she provided for our dad. Thanks to all of our dad's customers and friends who supported him while he was in business throughout the years. His dedication and honesty to his patrons was always his priority.

Survivors include his children, Irene (Dennis) Olson of St. Paul, Alice (Alan) Rademacher of St. Cloud, Jim "Marty" (Julie) Marthaler of St. Joseph, John (Sherry) Marthaler of Monticello, and Lois (Jim) Rousselange of St. Augusta; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brothers, Eugene Marthaler of St. Cloud, Virgil (Luella) Marthaler of Greenwald, and Cyril (Margie) Marthaler of St. Joseph.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marion C. Marthaler on November 29, 1980; and granddaughter, Marion Marie Rademacher on November 14, 1981.

Serving as casket bearers will be Victoria Weisen, Scott Marthaler, Steve Marthaler, Joe Marthaler, Jill Marthaler, Jessica Rousselange, Mitch Rousselange, and Brittany Howard-Monjeau. Cross bearer will be April Lahr and scripture bearer will be Shelby Weisen. Gift bearers will be Virgil and Luella Marthaler. The reader will be Alan Rademacher. Shelby Weisen will read the petitions and the eulogy will be read by Dennis Olson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.