Donald Dean Erstad, 93, Alexandria, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at his home on Lake Ida.
A memorial service was Saturday, Feb. 19, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a military salute following the service.
Donald Erstad was born on December 11, 1928, in Garretson, South Dakota, to Elmer and Alma (Steen) Erstad, who predeceased him. He grew up with his mother and sister, Carol Amdahl, as his father was killed in an automobile accident when he was 10 years old.
Don graduated from Jasper High School in 1946 and enlisted in the Army at age 17, with his mother’s signature. He served in the Army of Occupation in Japan and was honorably discharged.
He applied the G.I. Bill to attend South Dakota State University for one year. He then attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis where he graduated in May 1951.
After graduation, Don sold vacuum cleaners door to door.
Don married his sweetheart Yvonne Remme on October 28, 1951. Don and Yvonne raised their three children in Davenport, Iowa.
Don took a position with International Milling selling Robin Hood Flour. He transferred his family to Davenport where he literally became the face of Robin Hood Flour, donning green tights, bow and arrow, and a pointed hat with a red plume, for public appearances.
Don was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic. He took a new position with International Playtex in 1966 and was an unprecedented National Sales Rep of the Year, three times. Playtex honored Don’s retirement in 1993 after 27 years of dedicated service with an induction into the Playtex Hall of Fame.
Don and Yvonne retired in 1994 to their lake home in Alexandria. He volunteered numerous hours to help protect and preserve the beauty of Lake Ida and attended community meetings for Ida Township.
In October of this last year, Don and Yvonne celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Don enjoyed hunting and fishing and celebrating “Fun in the Sun Days” at the lake.
Don was the ultimate sports fan. He could remember games, meets, stats and times for his children from 50 years ago! He was an unwavering Gopher enthusiast. But his greatest joy was watching and supporting his grandkids and their activities. There was no one more proud than Grandpa Don.
Don is survived by his wife, Yvonne of 70 years; his three children, Denise (Bob) Falls, David (Susan) Erstad, and Diane (Todd) Achterkirch. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Hyland, Tyler (Hayley) Erstad, Lindsay Erstad, Emily Achterkirch, and Alana Achterkirch.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister.
Memorials are preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice or American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were provided by the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net
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