Donald Marthaler

Donald G. "Donnie" Marthaler, age 72 of West Union, died Sunday, December 23, 2012 surrounded by his family at St. Michael's Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28 at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union with Rev. James Statz officiating and Rev. Andrew Marthaler concelebrating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be held 5:15 p.m. followed by the St. Joseph's Society at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Donald George Marthaler was born September 12, 1940 in Osakis, Minnesota to Martin and Catherine (Peternell) Marthaler. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Walter on June 27, 1964 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Donnie's wife Kathleen died as a young mother on August 17, 1980. He then raised 6 children on his family farm in West Union.

Donnie had a passion for farming. He began farming at a young age with his father on their family farm in Osakis. Donnie later began farming on his own near West Union where he built a successful dairy and farming operation for nearly 50 years. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing trips, restoring International tractors and spending time with family. Donnie was a member of St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union.

Survivors include his children, Carla (Tom) Bredenstiener of Maple Grove, Brenda (Mike) Nealy of Phoenix, Arizona, Therese (Randy) Jakes of Alexandria, Pam (Paul) Ditter of Elk River, Todd (Jean) Marthaler of Sauk Centre, and Chad Marthaler of West Union; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Regan, Simon, Quinn, Alexandra, Emily, Spencer and Victoria; brothers, Jerry (JoAnn) Marthaler of Alexandria and Martin (Alice) Marthaler of Marshall; and sister, Beatrice (Fred) Massman of Melrose.

Donnie was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Marthaler; and parents, Martin and Catherine Marthaler.

Serving as casket bearers will be Mark Walter, Gene Walter, Vern Walter, Ray Marthaler, Herb Marthaler, and Nik Maider. Cross bearer will be Theresa Marthaler. Honorary bearers will be George Williams, John Nathe, Fritz Didier, Doug Vickerman, Roger Primus, Richard Eltgroth, Vern Dirkes, Steve Kral, Bob Williams, and Greg Marthaler.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services, Sauk Centre.