Donald James Neegaard

Donald Neegaard, 73 year old resident, of Janesville died with his family by his side on May 24, 2018 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville with Rev. Paul Muther, officiant. Interment will be in St. Johns Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Iosco Township, Waseca County, Minnesota. Military Honors performed by the Janesville American Legion.

Visitation will be from 4 7 PM on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ Arnoldt Chapel of Janesville and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Arrangements are with Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services ~ Arnoldt Chapel of Janesville www.janesvillefuneral.com

Donald James Neegaard was born on September 12, 1944 in Amboy to Edward and Clara Becker (Zellmer) Neegaard. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed as a youth all at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Amboy. Donald attended country school in Sterling, returning home to help around the house. On December 14, 1967, he enlisted into the United States Navy and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on November 25, 1969. In 1968, while serving in the Navy, Donald met Debra Danberry and again in 1973, when they began dating. Donald and Debra were united in marriage on September 6, 1975 at the Lutheran Church in Salem, South Dakota.

Donald worked various jobs throughout his life, as his family recalls him as a handyman mechanic. Some his jobs included: Farm work where he milked cows in Sterling and Amboy, Dotson Company in Mankato, the Ford dealership in Mapleton as a mechanic, Waldorf Creamery, manager of the VFW in Mapleton and mechanic work from home. He was active at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Danville Township, Minnesota Lake where he cleaned the church and mowed the cemetery. Don enjoyed music, especially polka, country western and church hymns. He liked to be a part of his boys various activities including, repairing things , watching Twins games, wrestling, car races, truck and tractor pulls . Don cherished the time he spent with his wife, three boys, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Debra of Janesville, three sons: Donnie of Janesville, Brian (Katie) of Janesville, and Chad (Sunshine) of Waldorf; grandchildren: Brayden and Blake Neegaard and Elsie and Peyton Neegaard; siblings: Duane of Mapelton, Nelda Rutjes of Mankato, Ileen (Denny) Bonneson of Lake Crystal, Doris (Dick) Jans of Mankato, David of Garden City and Kathy Fleming; mother-in-law, Erma Danberry; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law: Laura (Joe) Morgan, Ron (Janell) Danberry, Colleen (Harold) Sargent, Anita (Brad) Kelley, Pat (Vickie) Danberry, Terry (Sharron) Danberry, Mitchell (Ginger) Danberry and Sheron Neegaard of Lake Crystal; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Delbert and Victor; one sister, Lois and his father-in-law, Bert Danberry.