Donald L. “Don” Lein

Don L. Lein, 86 of Dilworth, MN, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at his home.

Donald Lawrence Lein was born in Rothsay, MN, on May 11, 1933 to Lawrence and Hazel (Peterson) Lein.  He grew up in Rothsay but spent a year in California while his parents worked on military planes.  During that time, Don collected black widow spiders and received $.25 per spider.  The military used the thread from the spider to create the cross hairs in weapons during WWII.  He graduated from Rothsay High School and went on to attend Macalester College in St. Paul.

Following his education, Don enlisted in the Army, serving six years and spending time in Austria and Germany.  He married Alvina Westergard on September 11, 1960 and they raised four children.  They also cared for 34 foster children.

Don spent 20 years as an office manager with Rott-Keller company, and enjoyed a second career as a rural mail carrier for 15 years until his retirement.  He enjoyed collecting coins, gardening and keeping up photo albums from the different stages in his life where he’d write notes and share stories on each page.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife; sons, Tyrone, Christopher (Christy) and Jonathon (Lynnette); daughter, Theresa Nygaard; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held on Monday July 8, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.