Donald Thoe obituary

Donald Burton Thoe, 85, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026 at the Roseville Estates in Roseville, Minn.
Donald was born on November 22, 1940, to Selmer and Regina (Bolstad) Thoe, in Rock Dell, Minnesota. He attended grade school and junior high school in Stewartville, Minn. Donald graduated from Wabasha High School in 1960. He received his degree from the National Radio Institute while in his senior year.
Donald enlisted in the Army in 1960 and was sent to Italy as a radio station operator. Donald was a sergeant and a sharpshooter. Donald married the love of his life, Aleta (Funke) Lane on April 9, 1966 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Donald was employed as a machinist for 42 years at Federal Mogel. He also played guitar in a small band with Jim Meyer and Harry Meyer in the Wabasha area. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, spending time with his dog Conway, and playing old country music. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Donald is survived by his wife, Aleta; his children Kathy (Mike) Schwarzhoff of Plainview and Brian Thoe of Lake City; grandchildren, Courtney (Ross) Featherstone of Minneapolis, Brandon (Tori) Schwarzhoff of Plainview, Alice Thoe of Lake City, Alexis (Ken) Julson of Lake City, and Anthony (Lena) Nelson of Hawaii; great-grandchildren Nolan, Roman and Nova Lynn Julson of Lake City, and Athina Nelson; one sister, Lois (John) Wilder of Sun City, Arizona.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Joe, Art, Sanford and Norman Thoe; three sisters, Ruth Maasch, Dorothy Ustby, and Alice Larson.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held on July 11, 2026 at Ohuta Park, Lake City, near the beach at 1 p.m., with military honors. Afterwards will be a reception at the VFW in Lake City.
Donald donated his body to the Mayo Clinic in hopes of helping others.