Donald Salzwedel

Donald F. Salzwedel, age 85 of Faribault, died Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at his home, surrounded by his family following an extended illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery, Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to services.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to Divine Mercy Catholic Church or Faribault Area Hospice in memory of Don.

Special thank you's to the staff at Milestone Assisted Living and the staff at Faribault Area Hospice for the wonderful care you've given to our Husband and Father over the past several months

Donald Franklin, the son of Franklin and Teresa (Silkey) Salzwedel, was born on September 9, 1927 in Faribault. He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1946. On September 4, 1950 he was united in marriage to JoeAnn DeMars at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault. After their marriage Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge Don returned to Faribault. He worked for many years at Parker Auto Body and in the early 1970's became a co-owner of the business until his retirement in 1991. Don was a lifelong resident of Faribault and enjoyed spending time at the cabin that he and his father Franklin had built at French Lake. Many days were spent there with family and friends and during those days Don taught his entire family how to water ski. Don also enjoyed going hunting and fishing. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 43 and the Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, JoeAnn B. Salzwedel of Faribault; by four children, Daniel F. Salzwedel of Minneapolis, Steven K. Salzwedel of Faribault, Gary J. (Barbara) Salzwedel of Faribault and Robin S. (Fern D.) Salzwedel of Owatonna; by three grandchildren, Tessa M. (Dave) Steger, Adam D. (Carrie) Salzwedel and Kayla J. Salzwedel; by two great grandchildren, Mason D. Weber and McKenna L. Steger; by his sister, Donna Mae (Charles) Morgan of Faribault and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.