Richard "Dick" Donnell

Richard “Dick” Donnell, age 68, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at his home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Dick was born August 24, 1942 in Alexandria, MN, to Anthony and Frances (Kirsch) Donnell. As a young boy, his family moved to the Mahnomen area. His first job was working on the farm for Frank Paul Sr., which was followed by doing various jobs for neighbors. In 1963, Dick was drafted to the United States Army, serving during Vietnam. After an honorable discharge, he returned to the Beaulieu, MN, area and began working at Kramer Ranch. Dick was united in marriage to Marjorie Maruska at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on May 24, 1969. For a time, he worked at the Mahnomen Elevator. A variety of jobs followed, including Arsonal and Dowin Box, both in Minneapolis, MN, and road construction for Woodrich Co. and Hodgeman Co. Dick and Marge settled in Beaulieu to raise their family. He also owned and operated a bulk milk truck and later began as a janitor for the Mahnomen Public School. Dick worked in the school maintenance department for 28 years, spending the last five of those at the school in Naytahwaush, MN, before retiring in 2005. After retiring, Dick worked at Mahnomen Auto Value drinking coffee and delivering parts. Service not only to his country but to the community kept Dick busy. He was a member of the Bejou VFW Wild Rice Post #1226, serving as past commander and also a member of the American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31. Dick was also a member of several civic organizations including the Lions, Rod and Gun Club and Mahnomen Area Sportsman Club. Flipping pancakes, frying fish or helping at a benefit were ways Dick gave back to the community. As a long time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; he was a Knights of Columbus member, helped at the annual church dinner, was the proud past vice president of the ladies aid, and was currently a cemetery board member. In addition to his civic duties, Dick also enjoyed Polka and Country music, mowing lawn, gardening, woodworking, fishing, and deer hunting. He could often be found playing poker with the guys or cards with family and friends, especially his sisters and sometimes until the early morning hours. He is survived by his wife, Marge of Mahnomen; sons, Darrell of Lengby, MN, and Bruce of Grand Forks, ND; daughters, Diane (Rich) Schultz of Lawrence, KS, and Karen (Brian) Blumberg of Webster, MN; six grandchildren: M’Kenzy, Kallie, and Grace Larson, Gavin and Maggie Schultz and Annabelle Blumberg; one brother, Earl Donnell of Blaine, MN; two sisters, Shirley (Leo) Hagen also of Blaine, and Carolyn (David) Blaser of Syblie, ND. He was preceded in death by infant son, Tommy in 1976 and son, David in 1993; his parents and sister, Darlene Paul. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 10:30 am at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be Friday, April 15, 2011 with a prayer service at 6:30 pm also at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beaulieu. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.

Richard "Dick" Donnell

August 24, 1942 - April 12, 2011