Donald Waletzko Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

OBITUARY Donald Anthony Waletzko passed away at his home in Alexandria, MN surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 5th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a loving and devoted husband, supportive and caring father, brother and proud grandpa. Don was born on December 26th, 1936 in Willow River, MN to Julius and Wilhemina (Purell) Waletzko. Don grew up in Willow River and graduated from high school there in 1954. He went on to his pre-dentistry study at the Duluth branch of the U of M and at St Thomas and later became a graduate of the U of M School of Dentistry where he received his degree in 1961. After receiving his degree, he and Donna (Koenig) were married and they moved to Ft. Carson, Colorado where he served two years in the Army. Don and Donna then moved to Marshall, MN where they raised their four children and lived for nearly 40 yrs. While in Marshall, Don not only built a successful Dental practice, but was also extremely active in professional and local civic organizations. He held numerous offices in the Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees including President and State Director and earned a Distinguished Service Award for his many contributions to the community. Most importantly, Don had a deep faith in God and was a very active member of the Holy Redeemer Church and served on the Parish Council. When he retired in 2002, he and his wife Donna moved ?up to the Lake? in Alexandria, MN (except for the cold winters when he & Donna escaped to sunny Arizona) where he continued his most loved hobbies of gardening, golfing, cooking and spending time with family and friends. In Alexandria (St Mary?s Catholic Church) and Fountain Hills, AZ (Church of the Ascension) he remained strong in his faith in God and became active in both church communities. Don?s life was filled with laughter and strong relationships with his golf buddies, bible study groups, neighbors, relatives and of course his family. He was ever present in their lives and loved them all so much. Don is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna; his sons, David (Nancy), Steve (Lisa), Paul; daughter Ann Marie (John Marshall); ten grandchildren, Jacob, Megan, Katie, Ben, Becca, Cole, Jeffrey, Erin, Ella and Sophie; and sister Marlene (Jim Sullivan). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am Friday, January 11th 2013 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church, 420 Irving Street, Alexandria, MN. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-7pm with 7PM Parish Prayers at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Birthrite Inc. of Alexandria 1114 Broadway St. Alexandria, MN 56308 Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net