Donald Joseph Kral, 89, of Myrtle, Minnesota, died on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017.

He was born on March 27, 1928, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Mollie (Lukes) Kral. Don attended Myrtle country school, graduated from Austin (Minnesota) High School and attended Austin Community College. He volunteered for the Merchant Marines and then served our country for two years in the U.S. Army, receiving the rank of sergeant.

Donald married Mavis Saman on May 3, 1953, in Austin. They enjoyed 42 years together before she died in 1995. He had been a Hormel employee in Austin for more than 46 years. In addition to his work at Hormel, Donald and his brother Roger farmed and raised cattle together. It always put a smile on our face when “the boss” arrived at the farm. He helped on the farm late into his life, and especially enjoyed harvesting corn.

He was loyal to his community, active in Lodge #44 for more than 86 years, served many years on the Myrtle Village Council, and loved and promoted spending time at the Wooden and Brick halls.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles clubs. He found enjoyment in fishing —Crane Lake trips especially — and traveling, dancing, polka music, baking, and being with family and friends.

Don was a hardworking, conservative farmer who was loyal to everything he believed, and was extremely generous, sharing what he could with others.

Don is survived by his children, Mary Jo Walk (LaMar Staloch) of Glenville, Minnesota, and Greg Kral (Tracy Jahnke) Glenville; brother, Roger (Bonita “Gill”) Kral of Glenville; grandchildren, Sarah (Nick) DiGregorio of Atlanta, Georgia, Mindy (Nick) Williamson of Austin, Mike (Erin) Neilon of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nicholas (Suzy) Walk of St Louis Park, Minnesota, Tony Walk of Glenville, Miranda (Brandon) Diedrich of Kensett, Iowa, Molly Kral of Austin, and Spencer Kral (Amanda Rahn) of Glenville; great-grandchildren, Gia, Lilly, Charlie, Kaya, Scarlett, Cullen, Kennedy,  Cate, Soren, Rhett, and Ben; nephew, Tim Kral of New Hope, Minnesota; niece, Colleen (Chuck) Miller and family of Albertville, Minnesota; and cousin, Connie Frydenlund (John Covell)  and family of Chicago, Illinois.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mollie Kral; wife, Mavis Kral in 1995; and daughter, Marcia Neilon in 2004.

A time for remembering and sharing the life of Donald Joseph Kral will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Bohemian Brick Hall, 17509 850th Ave., Glenville.

Don will be honored for his military service during a private family ceremony.

Donald generously gifted his body to Mayo Clinic, which so enriches the studies of those in medical fields. Private interment will be at a later date at the Bohemian National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lodge 44 for the Brick Hall Restoration and Care.