Donald Raymond Spease, 87, Luverne, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth.
A private family burial service was Saturday, Oct. 31, at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne with full military honors. A celebration of life will take place next summer.
Donald Spease was born on Feb. 20, 1933, to Chester and Ethelwyn (Coon) Spease in Luverne. He received his education in the Luverne School District, graduating in 1951.
In 1952 Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving at air bases in Wyoming, Illinois, Texas, Florida, Germany and France before his discharge in 1956. He continued to serve his country in the South Dakota Air National Guard from 1958 until 1965.
Don married Myrna Funck on July 13, 1956, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Four children were born to this union, Kimberly, Randall, Mark and Jana. Amy joined the family in 1974. Don enjoyed attending all the children’s activities and also coached 4-H softball.
Don became a partner with his father in the Spease Tire Shop until 1975. Later on, he worked as a car salesman for Davis Motors, which later became Connell Car Care. Following his retirement he was employed by Mary Jane Brown home in Luverne until 2013. Don also enjoyed working with children as a foster grandparent at the Luverne Elementary School until 2015.
Don was a member of the First Baptist Church and sang in the choir, served as a deacon and taught Sunday school for many years. He was a member of the Luverne VFW, ACE, and also volunteered at the Luverne Hospital.
Don is survived by his wife, Myrna; two sons, Randy (Becky) Spease of Pine River and Mark (Stephanie) Spease of Spooner, Wisconsin; three daughters, Kim (Greg) Eisenhuth of Embarrass, Jana (Russ) Brix of Mankato, and Amy (Tim) Schuchard of Sartell; nine grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two nieces; two nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Douglas; and a brother, Loren.
Arrangements were provided by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, dingmannandsons.com.
(1105 F)