Donald Mariner

Donald "Lefty" Mariner Sr., age 88, of Waseca, MN, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Colony Court Assisted Living in Waseca.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at the McRaith Funeral Home in Waseca, with Rev. Cary Larson, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Waseca with military honors.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donald William Sr. was born on September 19, 1926 in Sanborn, MN to George and Genevieve (Madson) Mariner. He graduated from Sanborn High School and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He married Evangeline Wendt on September 25, 1947. Following their marriage they lived in Waseca. Evangeline preceded him in death on May 3, 1992. Lefty worked his entire career with Dean's Specialty Feeds, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed serving his community as a reserve police officer. Some of his talents included playing the harmonica, roller skating, and tinkering with many various projects. Lefty enjoyed riding his motorcycle and most of all was a talented craftsman, with birdhouses being his specialty.

He is survived by his children, Virginia Schroer of Waseca, Michael Mariner of Marathon, FL, Lucy Johnson of River Falls, WI, Donald W. Mariner Jr. of Peck, KS, and Jamie (Laurie) Mariner of Waseca; 17 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evangeline; parents, George and Genevieve; daughter, Barbara Jellum; one sister; and four brothers.