Donald E. Stefanske, 89

Donald Stefanske

Mankato – Donald E. Stefanske, age 89 of Mankato, formerly of Blue Earth, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Kingsway Assisted Living in Belle Plaine.

A Celebration of Donald’s Life will be Friday, June 8, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Woodland Hills Chapel in Mankato with Deacon Russell Blaschko officiating, military honors following services. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Blue Earth.

The Stefanske family will greet friends on Friday from 11 a.m. until the hour of services at the funeral home. Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato is handling arrangements.

Donald Eugene was born on Feb. 12, 1929 to George Mikeal and Helen Ann (Murtha) Stefanske in Blue Earth. He graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1946. He entered the United States Army on Jan. 16, 1951 and served his country in the Korean War until his honorable discharge on Jan. 20, 1953. Donald was employed by Blue Earth Valley Telephone Company in Blue Earth for over 40 years as a phone technician. He and his significant other Betty Engelby lived in Mankato for 23 years before moving to Belle Plaine in 2018. He was a member of the Blue Earth American Legion Post #89 and the Blue Earth VFW, and served on the honor guard for funerals for many years. Donald was also a member of the Blue Earth area Knights of Columbus Chapter and the Blue Earth Bowling League. He enjoyed traveling, watching all sports, especially Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. Donald loved time spent with family and friends.

He is survived by his significant other, Betty Engelby, of Belle Plaine; brother, Richard Stefanske, of Fairmont; by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Georgia and Patricia.