Donald C. Grondahl

Donald Donnie Chester Grondahl died Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN at the age of 86 surrounded by family. Donnie was born May 18, 1929 at the family farm in Deering, ND to Casper and Dora Brinkman Grondahl. Donnie attended school in Granville, ND and when he was 15 years old he made the journey to Minneapolis, MN to work at a flour mill to help support his family. Eventually, Donnie joined the United States Army Corps of Engineering because he wanted to see the world. He was assigned to help rebuild Japan after World War II. Upon returning from Japan, Donnie joined the Sorkness Construction Company in Fargo, ND where he met Calley Johnson. On December 28, 1950 they were married in Buffalo, ND. For fourteen years, Donnie, Calley and family traveled with the company he owned called, Donal Corporation, which helped bring electricity to rural America. In 1964 the family moved to Cormorant Township on Lake Ida and made their permanent home there. Donnie was a businessman at heart and he loved being able to build things. He enjoyed traveling and wintering in Arizona. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family. Donnie and Calley eventually moved into town at Lake Park, MN where he resided until his death. He will be remembered for being a jokester, his big heart and his generosity. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his sisters, his wife, sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-law and son-in-law.

He is survived by his son Donald Tammy Grondahl, three daughters, Donna Leroy Anderson, Sheri Kaiser and Shiela Nelson; ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and multiple nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving care of Donald.