Donald Moerke

Donald E. Moerke, age 86 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota after being diagnosed with cancer.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Rebecca Thomas will officiate with military honors provided by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard. A private inurnment will take place at a later date in Winthrop, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Donald Erwin "Peanuts" Moerke was born September 30, 1927 in Winthrop, Minnesota. He was the only child of Erwin and Ella (Wick) Moerke. Donald was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop. He graduated from Winthrop High School in 1945 and soon after joined the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California and was honorably discharged in 1947. Donald married Nancy Edwards on June 5, 1948 in Winthrop and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 5, 2013 with their family. The couple had five children, Barbara, Beth, Robert "Bob", Belinda, and Brenda. Don and Nancy made their home in Winthrop where they raised their family. The couple moved to Big Birch Lake in 1976 and later moved to Sauk Centre in 2005. Donald owned and managed the Princess Café, Moerke Rec Pub and Pool Hall, and the Sawmill in Winthrop. He also worked as a truck driver for Supersweet Feeds in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Donald had many interests and hobbies which included fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, playing horseshoes, spending time at the family cabin on Big Birch Lake and visiting with friends at local businesses. His favorite hobby was golf and he was very proud of winning the 1967 golf championship at the Winthrop Golf Club. Donald was a member of First Lutheran Church and was a member of the American Legion for over 65 years.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Nancy Moerke of Sauk Centre; daughters, Barbara (Gary) Edelston of Minnetonka, Beth Moerke of Paynesville, Belinda (Jim) Seitzer of Burnsville, and Brenda (Ken) Klassen of Melrose; daughter-in-law, Marcia Moerke of Maple Grove; seven grandsons and one granddaughter, Scott (Anissa) Schilling, Aaron (Kelli) Moerke, Andrew Moerke, Craig, Matthew, and Taylor Seitzer, and Ryan and Krista Klassen; three step-grandchildren, Jennifer and Jeremy Edelston and Jill (Dan) Thies; four great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Josh, Sam, and John Schilling; and two step-great-grandchildren, Henry and Charlie Thies.

Donald was preceded in death by his son, Robert Moerke and parents, Erwin and Ella Moerke.

Serving as urn bearer will be his grandson, Scott Schilling and flag bearer will be his granddaughter, Krista Klassen. Honorary bearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The eulogy will be given by his grandson, Aaron Moerke.