Donald R. Osmonson, 81

Published 10:18 am Friday, January 3, 2014

Donald R. Osmonson, 81, of rural Albert Lea, Minn., passed away on Dec. 31, 2013, at home on his farm.

Donald R. “Ozzy” Osmonson was born June 26, 1932, in Albert Lea, Minn., to Rufus and Valda Osmonson. He was raised on the family farm and attended Austin High School. In 1950, he entered service with the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in June of 1953. Donald married Harriet C. Brown in October of 1953. They started a family in 1954, and subsequently had seven children.

During his lifetime, Donald started working part-time at Sears Roebuck and eventually worked full-time as a livestock buyer for Hormel. He was stationed in Nebraska, Iowa, and returned to Preston, Minn., where he opened the new station and from where he retired in 1993. Donald and Harriet then moved to the family farm in Freeborn County. During his time in the Preston/Lanesboro area, he farmed full-time while working at Hormel. Upon retirement, he took up golfing and bowling, as well as continuing his love for the outdoors and all things associated with it. His biggest joy was spending time in his woodworking shop making beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends.

Donald is survived by his wife Harriet, of 60 years, sons; Jeff, Patrick and Kenneth; and daughters, Brenda and Marcia. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas and daughter, Terese. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at St. Augustine Church in Austin, Minn. Please, no flowers; instead, if you wish, send a donation to a Christian based charity.

Online condolences-www.mayerfh.com