Donald Kenneth Strayer

Donald Kenneth Strayer age 79, of Wadena, MN died Friday, March 29, 2013 at Sanford Heath in Fargo, ND. Donald was born to Kenneth and Mabel (Godden) Strayer on March 25, 1934 in Algona, Iowa, where he was raised and graduated from Algona High School. On November 27, 1956 Donald was inducted into the United States Army, after his honorable discharge on November 19, 1958 he attended Iowa Community Collage. Donald was united in marriage to Inge Elisabeth Schwarz on April 1, 1958; three children were born to this union. He earned a living in various ways, he worked at Cook’s Welding; and he also drove school bus in Algona, Iowa. While living in Burt, Iowa he worked in for the Burt Co-op Elevator; until Christmas of 1978 when he moved to Wadena, MN. He drove milk truck for Larry Rogers and Bud Honer. Donald loved living on the farm and worked hard promoting the Dairy Industry through ADA, Wadena County 4-H, and the fairboard. Donald was active in his community where he taught 55 Alive and Drove the Friendly Rider Bus. He was a devoted member of the Sebeka United Methodist Church and a helpful neighbor and friend known as “Red Dog.” Above all else he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed his family, loved laughter, spoiling his grandchildren and had a passion for ice cream. Donald is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Inge Elisabeth Strayer; daughter, Cindy Kay DoBell and her husband Dan; sons, Michael Don (Hoss) Strayer and his wife Patty; Frank Strayer and his wife Theresa; one sister, Virginia Will; one brother, Larry Strayer; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Deloris Zumach and her husband Melvin. Visitation will be held from 6-9 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN. Memorial Services will be held 11:30 AM Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Sebeka, MN with Pastor Steve Koehne. Jayne Koskiniemi will serve as organist. Honorary Pallbearers are all who called him friend, family and Smokey, the dog. Berg Nylund American Legion Post #456 of Sebeka, MN will provide Military Honors. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Medical Staff of Tri-County Hospital in Wadena, the Flight Staff and Sanford Heath in Fargo, ND.