Mankato Area Funeral Homes

Mankato Area Funeral Homes Your local funeral, cremation, pre-arrangement, and headstone provider with four locations: Mankato Mortuary, Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, St.

Peter Funeral Home, and Lake Crystal Mortuary Several Convenient Locations:

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003
507-388-2288

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Lake Crystal Mortuary
648 South Main Street, Lake Crystal, MN 56055
507-726-6161

St. Peter Funeral Home
906 N. Washington Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082
507-931-2750

Mailing address for all locations:

Mankato Area Funeral Homes
P.O. Box 4188
Mankato, Minnesota 56002

Randy C. MeyerRandy C. Meyer, age 77, of North Mankato, died Thursday, February 26, 2026.Funeral Service will be held at...
02/27/2026

Randy C. Meyer

Randy C. Meyer, age 77, of North Mankato, died Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., Friday at Northview. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to BENCHS.

A complete obituary will be posted once it has been completed.

View Randy C. Meyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Landon Lucas FoxLandon Lucas Fox, 21, of Amboy, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026.We invite all who knew and love...
02/27/2026

Landon Lucas Fox

Landon Lucas Fox, 21, of Amboy, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

We invite all who knew and loved Landon to join us in honoring his life.

A private viewing for Landon’s family will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Northview–North Mankato Mortuary (2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003).

Public viewing:

Friends are warmly welcomed to attend a public viewing from 4-7pm, Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Northview. This time is set aside for you to pay your respects, reflect, and remember Landon. Please note: the family will not be present during the public viewing.

Funeral Mass (no viewing prior):

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (130 N. Ewing Street, Good Thunder, MN 56037). There will be no public visitation prior to Mass on Wednesday. Guests are invited to arrive at the church beginning at 10am and will be seated upon arrival. Overflow seating will be available in the church basement. Mass will also be streamed at Maple River School (801 Central Avenue S, Mapleton, MN 56065 - please arrive no earlier than 10am to be seated). The service will also be livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

Burial will follow at Pleasantview Cemetery in Amboy.

Instructions for the procession from church to the cemetery, as written by Hayden Fox, Landon's brother:

"I'm organizing a truck procession in honor of my best friend, my brother, and a man who meant so much to so many.

There aren’t enough words to describe the kind of man he was. He was hardworking, dependable, and proud of the life he built. He showed up for people without hesitation and never asked for anything in return. If you knew him, you know how much trucks meant to him. They weren’t just a hobby they were part of who he was.

The lineup will begin on County Road 147 in Amboy, also known as Dodd Ford Bridge Road, and will continue as far as possible toward Pleasant View Cemetery. We kindly ask that everyone leave appropriate spacing along the bridge to ensure safety and allow for an organized and respectful tribute. If additional space is needed, trucks may also line up just past Ceasar Larson’s residence on 518th Avenue in Amboy and continue from there toward the cemetery.

We ask that all trucks be parked in place prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, March 4th, so they may be seen along the route as we make our way to the cemetery. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am and having the trucks lined up ahead of time will allow for a smooth and meaningful tribute as we pass by.

The support shown to our family during this time has meant more than words can express. We are deeply grateful for everyone who has stood beside us and helped us honor his life.

Seeing a long line of trucks in his honor will be a powerful reflection of the life he lived and the impact he had on so many. It will mean more than we can truly express to give him this final tribute.

Anyone who would like to participate is welcome. Don’t be afraid to spread the word. Bring your trucks and help us give him the sendoff he deserves.

Let those Jake brakes eat for him one last time."

Reception:

A reception will begin at 1:30pm at the Larson Family Farm (11343 518th Avenue, Amboy, MN 56010). We encourage you to come as you are and bring your favorite memories and stories of Landon to share. Celebrating his life together is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.

To Landon’s classmates, friends, and extended family: Please use the provided link to upload photos and short video clips for his slideshow played during the viewing: (https://www.tributeslides.com/up/24572797364113). These photos will also be shared with the family. There is something truly special about seeing a cherished photo for the first time, so we kindly ask that all pictures be uploaded by 4pm on Monday. Thank you for helping us honor his story.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary gift directly to the family. Contributions will be used to help continue Landon’s legacy.

Thank you for your love, support, and for being part of Landon’s life.

Complete obituary is pending.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Northview - North Mankato Mortuary.Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.

View Landon Lucas Fox's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Janet Helen StrobelJanet Helen Strobel, age 93, of Mankato, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 at The Pillars of Man...
02/25/2026

Janet Helen Strobel

Janet Helen Strobel, age 93, of Mankato, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026 at The Pillars of Mankato.

Janet was born in Minneapolis on December 11, 1932 to Kenneth and Ruth (Terrio) McKee. She was the middle child with an older and younger sister. She attended Fulton Elementary School and Southwest High School in Minneapolis. After high school, she went to college and completed RN nurses training at Hennepin County Hospital. Jan met the love of her life, Claire, while working at the hospital. They married on October 8, 1955 and began their life together in Minneapolis. In November 1956, their first son, Michael, was born. At that time, she stopped working to begin raising the family. Two daughters, Susan (1958) and Lisa (1960) were born in Minneapolis before Claire took a position as a surgeon in Mankato. They moved to Mankato where fourth child, Greg (1962) was born. With four children in tow, Jan and Claire decided to move the family to rural Mapleton (close to Beauford) and became part of the Mapleton community.

Life on the farm led to raising golden retrievers, black angus cattle, horses, ducks, chickens, and several beloved cats. She loved animals and had names for all as they were part of the family. In 1967, fifth child, Randy, was born, and in 1973, Amy arrived completing the family at number six. Later, they ventured into the hog business with their son, Greg. As they raised their children, they enjoyed showing cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs.

In their later years, they loved to travel throughout the United States and Canada visiting national parks and enjoying scenery. They spent winters in Surprise, AZ for many years. She enjoyed hosting RV rallies with friends, family gatherings, Red Hat ladies’ group, playing games, volunteering at Claire’s many musical performances in both AZ and Mankato, and patronizing casinos. She truly lived life to the fullest and her greatest joy was being around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jan and Claire were married 63 years until he passed in 2018.

Jan is survived by her children, Michael (Shelley) Strobel of Northfield, Susan (Todd) Schneider of Mapleton, Lisa (Roger) Gleisner of Chandler, AZ, Gregory (Robin) Strobel of Pemberton, Randy (Michelle) Strobel of Plymouth, and Amy Brandemuehl of Lancaster, WI; 18 grandchildren, Jenny (Ryan) Henrickson, Andy (Jen) Strobel, Kristen Strobel, Chelsea (Brandon) Hentkowski, Mitchell Schneider, Caitlin (John Jensen) Schneider, McKinley Schneider, Nick (Bianca Kahlenberg) Gleisner, Trevor (Kelsey) Gleisner, Gunnar (Karah Kingsbury) Gleisner, Ryan (Sarah) Strobel, Kenny (Sarah) Strobel, Matthew (Bridgett) Strobel, Nathan Strobel, Adam Strobel, David (Keegan) Brandemuehl, Alexis Brandemuehl, and Christopher Brandemuehl; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Claire; son-in-law, Todd Brandemuehl; grandson, Jacob Strobel; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley (Bud) Denk and Mary Lou (Gordy) Johnson.

Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/mnnd).

Celebration of Jan’s life will be held on June 6, 2026 at SKY One Eleven, 111 S 2nd St. 7th floor, Mankato MN 56001 from 1:00 to 4:00pm.

View Janet Helen Strobel's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Roger Matthew MichelsRoger Matthew Michels, age 88, of North Mankato, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 202...
02/24/2026

Roger Matthew Michels

Roger Matthew Michels, age 88, of North Mankato, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato, with visitation starting at 9:30am at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.

Roger was born March 28, 1937, in Mankato to Clarence and Valeria Michels. He married Elaine Dauffenbach in 1959, and they enjoyed sixty years of marriage before her passing in 2019. Together Roger and Elaine farmed in North Mankato for fifty years. Roger loved farming; it was in his blood! His son Steve partnered with him on the family farm, raising hogs and growing corn and soy beans. When he wasn’t farming, Roger spent many hours fishing, deer hunting, and playing cards. Roger and Elaine were part of a card club with dear friends for more than forty years. Throughout his life, Roger volunteered at church, either selling Christmas trees at the KC lot, organizing a pancake breakfast, or leading a Lenten fish fry. In his retirement, Roger became an avid reader and cheered on the Minnesota Twins with Elaine.

Roger is survived by his children: Steve (Deb) of North Mankato; Nancy (Curt) Madsen of Arnolds Park, IA; Julie (Paul Cleary) of St. Paul; and Larry (Jolene) of Sioux Falls, SD; twelve grandchildren: Jerad (Alyssa), Cherise (Dylan Rogahn), Deven (Riley Kunkel) Michels; Breah and Skyler Gappa; Anthony (Sydney Sua) and Tyler (Tori) Madsen; Catherine (Erik Scheub) and Elizabeth (Ryan Herold) Cleary; Jessica (Kevin) Haiar; Brett (Alicia) Michels; Madison (Benson) Kleinschmidt; eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, and his sister Marilyn Rieff.

Roger’s family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff at Water’s Edge and the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Mankato.

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Donald Lee WilliamsDonald Lee Williams, age 81, of Lake Crystal, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Mayo Clinic ...
02/21/2026

Donald Lee Williams

Donald Lee Williams, age 81, of Lake Crystal, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato following a brief illness.

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Thursday, February 26, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal with visitation one hour prior. Military honors will be provided by the Lake Crystal American Legion Post 294. Private family graveside service will take place at Lake Crystal Cemetery at a later date. Please share a memory of Don and view his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

Donald was born September 4, 1944 in Mankato to John B. and Nettie O’Neita (Raines) Williams. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 7, 1965 during the Vietnam War. He earned the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle), Vietnamese Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device before being honorarily discharged on July 6, 1971. He was united in marriage to Nancy Evenson on April 18, 1970, and although they were later divorced, they maintained a friendship.

Don worked as a clerk at the United States Postal Service for over 30 years until he retired. He enjoyed genealogy, photography, reading, and spending time with his family. Don was a member of the American Legion, First Presbyterian Church, and NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees).

He is survived by his daughter, Jody (Mike) Johnson of Lake Crystal; siblings, Bob Williams of Mankato, John Williams of Missouri, and Mary Jane Goode of Rochester; former spouse, Nancy Sorgatz of Lake Crystal; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and O’Neita Williams; granddaughter, Madison Johnson; infant daughter, Jennifer Williams; sister, Gloria Livingstone; nephew, Daniel Williams; sisters-in-law, Carole and Karen Williams; brother-in-law, Richard Goode; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lucille and Clifford Evenson.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Northview - North Mankato Mortuary. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.

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Patricia Martha KnewtsonPatricia Martha Knewtson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and frie...
02/20/2026

Patricia Martha Knewtson

Patricia Martha Knewtson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and friend passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the age of 87.

She shared a lifelong love with her husband Dale, her high school sweetheart. Their relationship was a beautiful example of true love, devotion, and friendship.

Family was always her greatest priority. She was a proud and loving mother to her three children, a devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren. She found her deepest joy in time spent with family, whether gathered around the table, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

Teaching was not just her career, but her calling. She was deeply passionate about education and made a lasting impact on the many students she taught, always believing in the power of learning and encouragement.

She embraced life fully and enthusiastically. She loved entertaining, golfing, decorating, cooking, and baking for those she loved, playing games, taking walks, and traveling.

A very social and engaged member of her community, she was active at Grace Lutheran Church of Fairmont, Interlaken Golf Club, the Yacht Club, card club, bridge club, PEO, AAUW, and generously volunteered her time with the Salvation Army. She valued connection, service and friendship, and leaves behind a wide circle of people whose lives were better for knowing her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love of family, her kindness, her dedication to teaching and the joy she brought to every room.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Knewtson; daughters, Tari (John) Colby and Heidi (Jay) Rohe; son, Troy (Kelly) Knewtson; grandchildren, Lexi (Jesse) Hemsath, Abbi (Mitchell) Knippenberg, JD Colby, Hannah (Paul) Gallagher, Sarah Rohe, Grace Knewtson, Ella Knewtson, and Cole Knewtson; great-grandchildren, Joelle Hemsath, James Hemsath, Cal Knippenberg, Ava Knippenberg, Quinton Brown, Colton Gallagher, and Anderson Gallagher.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Granada Huntley East Chain Elementary School District 2536 (P.O. Box 17, Granada, MN 56039)

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in the Grace Point Chapel led by Pastor Mark Biebighauser. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Private family graveside service will follow at Sterling Cemetery in rural Mapleton.

Please share a memory of Patricia with her family online at www.mankatomortuary.com

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Earl LaMoyne GildemeisterEarl Gildemeister, 86, of North Mankato, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Faribau...
02/20/2026

Earl LaMoyne Gildemeister

Earl Gildemeister, 86, of North Mankato, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Faribault with his family by his side.

A funeral service for Earl will be held at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 110 N 4th St, Mankato, at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 with Pastor John Odegard presiding. Burial will be held at Tivoli Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Earl was born on June 8, 1939 in Ga***rd to Arthur and Bernice (Ostermann) Gildemeister. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Ga***rd. The middle of three children, Earl was fascinated by how things worked. This led to a life-long love of all things mechanical: cars, motorcycles, boats, even computers. Earl graduated from Ga***rd High School in 1958 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in mathematics instruction, followed by a Master’s Degree, from Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University, Mankato).

On June 14, 1964, Earl married Elfriede Graser at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. They enjoyed over 60 years of marriage and were each other’s best friends and life partners, going everywhere and doing everything – together. They were blessed with two children, David and Kristine, raising both in the Mankato community. Earl participated in and led the local German Club for many years, and enjoyed travelling to Germany with Elfriede to visit relatives and friends.

All his life, Earl was a problem solver who loved helping people and who was fascinated by machines. Growing up on a farm, he had a gift for fixing things, able to take apart and rebuild a tractor or a motorcycle while still a teenager. He discovered his love of motorcycles when his mom bought him his first one; later, his beloved BMWs gave him many years of enjoyment and adventure. Any car Earl owned, or that his nearby family owned, was sure to last years longer than anyone expected.

Earl was a quiet but active pioneer in introducing people to new technology. He was integral to the establishment of the original computer center at Mankato State University and joined the Computer Science department, teaching thousands of students throughout his decades there and retiring as Professor Emeritus. He was also a co-creator of an early and highly successful Computer Assisted Instruction curriculum that was used for years, not only by the university, but by local public schools as well, where he’d help with installation and management.

After retiring from MSU in 1998, Earl devoted time to Meals on Wheels, working with billing and delivering meals together with his wife, Elfriede, for many years. He was very involved in church activities, joining Grace Lutheran Church when he moved in Mankato in 1962. He helped record the church services for TV viewing, assisted the church office with its first use of computers, served as a youth mentor, as well as serving on the Church Council and various other committees.

Above all, Earl loved his family dearly and was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. His love of Jesus was reflected in his generosity, gentle spirit, humility and selflessness. In his last weeks, he made a point of reminding people about the miraculous gifts from God, the importance of family, the need for all people to learn to love each other, and Jesus’ suffering and death for us. He would always put someone else’s needs before his own and did not hesitate to do what was needed to care for and help others. Once, when asked what he thought it meant to be successful, he answered: “If you love going to work and you love coming home.” He found contentment in the simple things and recognized that blessings could be found in difficulty. Always curious about the world, he could talk to anyone about anything with genuine interest and would say, “it’s helpful to know a little about a lot” and “anything can be interesting if you allow it to be!”

Earl is survived by his beloved wife, Elfriede; children, David (Sherrian) and Kristine (Glenn) Duerr; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jessica, Michael (Megan), Trevor (Myranda); great-grandchildren, Hudson, Nathaniel; brother, Morris; sister, Diane Shoemaker; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Bernice; brother-in-law, John.

Memorials are preferred to either Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato or VINE Faith in Action https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z5Y1/campaign/C-12M5V

Though we will miss him greatly, we trust that Earl is with Jesus and rejoice that he is resting safely in the arms of his beloved Savior, who loves him like no other.

View Earl LaMoyne Gildemeister's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Sarah Jean (Oates) TaylorSarah Jean Oates Taylor, 95, of Mankato, Minnesota passed away on February 18, 2026.Jean was bo...
02/19/2026

Sarah Jean (Oates) Taylor

Sarah Jean Oates Taylor, 95, of Mankato, Minnesota passed away on February 18, 2026.

Jean was born July 23, 1930, in Timonsville, SC , daughter of Mae Elizabeth Rogers and Roland Mahoney Oates. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ted Taylor, who passed away in 2016.

A true Southern belle, her selfless acts of charity, warmth and kindness to others have been felt by many and left an indelible mark on all of us who have had the privilege of calling her Mom, Grandma Jean, Mema and friend.

Jean was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many capacities, including Relief Society President and other callings. Her greatest calling being that of wife and mother.

She was a Girl Scout leader for many years leading her troop from Brownies to Seniors. Many wonderful memories are held by "her girls".

Side by side, Jean and Ted, were hard workers making a wonderful home in Darlington, SC for their family and children. In 1972 they left Darlington to move out west to start a new career of motel management, living in Kingman, AZ, Battle Mountain, NV, Blythe, CA and settling for many years in St George, UT.

Jean was faithful in her love for her husband, Ted, whom she cared for so lovingly until his death in 2016. She will be deeply missed by her surviving family that include one daughter, Lorraine (Michael) Edwards of Blue Mountain, MS; two sons, Wesley (Lisa) Taylor of Mankato, MN and

Ted W. (Lori) Taylor of St George, UT; eight grandchildren, Kelly (Dan) Reid of Wilmington, NC, Kami (Jeremy) Foster of Tell City, IN, Kyle (Nikki) Edwards of Blue Mountain, MS, James Taylor of Mankato, MN, Sarah (Beau) Robertson of Caldwell, ID, Nikelle (Adly) Flores of St George, UT, Megan Marshall and Skyler Marshall of St George, UT; surviving, also, are 15 great grandchildren; 3 precious nieces, Bobbie Gentry of Greenville, SC, Georgette Davis of Rock Hill, SC and DeeDee St Amand of Toccoa, GA and many great nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death other than her husband, Ted, were her parents, two sisters, Gladys (Richard) Clarke and Johnnie (Robert) Culbertson and a grandson, Kristian Edwards.

We will all miss our beautiful loving mother, and may she rest in the arms of Jesus until we meet again as an eternal family.

A family graveside service will be held in the fall of 2026 in Darlington, South Carolina.

View Sarah Jean (Oates) Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Steven Otto HoffmanSteve Hoffman, age 71, of Rapidan, died on January 9, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato.Memo...
02/17/2026

Steven Otto Hoffman

Steve Hoffman, age 71, of Rapidan, died on January 9, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Steve was born on February 9, 1954 in Mankato to Melvin and Mary (Gartner) Hoffman. He graduated from Garden City High School. Steve was married to Christine Suserud. They later divorced. Steve was a long-haul truck driver for many years. He was a member of the Minnesota Minn-e-rods, a Minnesota tractor pulling association. He loved working on them and competing at county fairs. Steve loved having family barbecues.

Steve is survived by his children, Amy (Joe) Ostgarden, Jason (Hana) Hoffman, and Jennifer Hoffman; grandchildren, Wyatt and Savannah Ostgarden; sisters, Connie (Bill) Fitzloff and Shirley (Brian) Hall; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Nathan; and brothers, Dale and Larry.

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Don R. MarbenDon Robert Marben, age 83, of Lake Crystal, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Lake Cryst...
02/16/2026

Don R. Marben

Don Robert Marben, age 83, of Lake Crystal, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Lake Crystal, MN.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorials may be given to the American Legion Post #294. A private family burial will be held at the Lake Crystal Cemetery. Lake Crystal Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born on October 9, 1942, to John and Lucile (Halland) Marben in Springfield, Minnesota. He grew up in Lamberton until 1947, when he moved to Lake Crystal after his father purchased The Lake Crystal Tribune. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1960 and attended Mankato State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, and was stationed at Fort Riley, KS. He married Judith Marks on September 17, 1967.

Don started working at the Tribune in high school as a sportswriter, earning the nickname “Halsey” after sports announcer Halsey Hall of WCCO Radio. He became editor/publisher of the Tribune in 1979, dedicating 42 years until the paper was sold to the Van Hee’s in 2021. Don continued contributing to the paper up until the time of his death.

Don was a vital pillar of the Lake Crystal community, always keeping his finger on the pulse of local events of every kind. He attended sporting events, was involved in multiple community organizations, was a member of American Legion Post #294, and was a familiar - and happy - face at local eateries. His talent for storytelling extended beyond his work writing for the Lake Crystal Tribune, and his laugh and quick wit will be missed by many.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; children, Ryan (Rachel) Marben of Arlington, Mindy (Andy) Kranz of Mankato, and Mitch Marben of Madison Lake; four grandchildren, Skylar Marben, Grace Kranz, Sam Kranz, and Brian Marben; step grandchildren Soonja Breist, Katrina Roth; four step great grandchildren; sister, Sandra (Dean) Meixell of Lake Crystal; brother, David (Sandi) Marben of Boise, ID; nieces and nephews, Lance (Heidi) Roberts, Lara (Jerry) Wisniewski, Tammy (Dave) Matteson, Tracy (Joe) Loreth, Lucas (Leah) Marben and Cole (Lauren) Marben.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, James (Sandra) Roberts.

View Don R. Marben's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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1001 North Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN
56001

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