Obituary of Donald Henry Minke

Donald Henry Minke, 94 years young, went home to Jesus and was reunited with his wife, Shirley and son, Thomas on January 6, 2022. 

Born on August 15, 1927 in North Saint Paul to Emma and William Minke and grew up with 7 siblings.

Don was a dear man, always ready with a smile and a hug. He was loved by all who knew him. 

Don graduated from North Saint Paul High School and enjoyed playing ball, and he remembered his years in the army fondly. He worked in the drywall industry and was gifted in his work ethic, which he passed onto his sons, who in turn passed it on to his grandkids. 

Don married the love of his life, Shirley Swanson on May 27, 1949 and welcomed twin boys, Timothy and Thomas in September of 1953. They raised their family in North Saint Paul and spent time at Shirley's family farm in Braham, MN. They later purchased a cabin on Balsam Lake, WI where many wonderful memories were made. Donald and Shirley loved their grandkids dearly - Jackie, Jenny, Katie, Andrea and Kelly and their great grandchildren - Collin, Rylee, Morgan, Paige, Jackson, Olivia and Georgia.

He loved going to the farm to work on projects and golfing with his sons, grandkids and great grandkids. Don was always ready to help with a sweet smile and an easy going shrug of his shoulders. He was fun loving, loved to play cards and WIN, always had a positive outlook and leaves a legacy of GOODNESS. Don always left everyone better than he found them.

He spent the last of his days on earth at The Shores of Lake Phalen where he was lovingly cared for by the fantastic nurses including his granddaughter Katie, nursing assistants, hospice care team and family by his side. Donald has ALWAYS said he was happy, he lived a good life and had no regrets. He taught us all so much about life and how to enjoy and be grateful for the little things. 

Preceded in death by his parents, William and Emma; wife, Shirley; son, Thomas; and 7 siblings. Survived by son, Tim; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Linda; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Swanson and Marlene Minke; brother-in-law, Alton (Diana) Swanson; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral Service on Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at 11:00am at Christ Lutheran Church (2475 17th Ave E, No. St. Paul MN) with visitation one hour prior. Interment Evergreen Cemetery, Mahtomedi.