Donald Wayne Schouwenburg, 88, formerly of Luverne, died peacefully on April 6, 2023, surrounded by his family while residing at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A funeral service was Monday, April 10, at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Donald Schouwenburg was born on June 20, 1934, to Jake and Nellie Schouwenburg in a farm house near Valley Springs, South Dakota. He spent his childhood living with his family on farms in southwest Minnesota. Don attended country school until the 4th grade. He attended Hills High School, graduating in 1952.
Don worked several jobs throughout his life. He worked for Ed and Verla Baker on their farm until September 1952. He worked for a short time for the Great Northern Railroad out of Hills, then for six months at Bierkamp Auto. He then got a job at John Morrell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After being laid off at John Morrell, he took a night position with A.R. Wood Manufacturing. He was called back to John Morrell but was to be laid off again, so he took a job with Eli Walgrave.
Phyllis and Don were married on Sept. 16, 1954, and lived in Luverne. In March 1956 Don purchased the Repair Shop in Steen from Dick Bosch, and Don and Phyllis lived in Steen. In December Don bought Frank Berghorts’s share at Hills Implement Company and was a partner with his brother, Marinus Schouwenburg. Don and Phyllis moved to Hills in December 1959. In 1975 they sold the business to Marvin De Schepper who moved the business to Luverne and took Gary Olhausen as a partner. Don worked for them for 2 ½ years. Don then took a job for Wilmer Elbers at Hills Stainless Steel in Hills until his retirement. In retirement, Don worked at Glen’s Grocery Store for several years and went back to Hills Stainless Steel to help them for a time. The Shouwenburgs moved to Luverne in 1992. Don worked at HSS for a total of 35 years. At that time, he officially retired and he and Phyllis moved to Prince of Peace in September 2015.
Don was an active member of the Reformed Church of Steen, serving on the male chorus, as a deacon, and as an RCYF leader. He was also on the city council and played for the Hills softball team. He enjoyed racing and watching sports, especially when he could watch his grandchildren play. His family will always remember and cherish the love and care Don showed toward them, particularly the care he showed toward Phyllis during her final years. He also had a great sense of humor and was always there to lend a helping hand.
Don is survived by his “girls,” Connie (Russ) Cambern of Brookings, South Dakota, Lori Inafuku of Prior Lake, Joni (Curt) Gacke of Sioux Falls, and Julie (Fred) Rule of Sioux Falls; grandchildren Russ (Katie) Cambern, Cassie (Trisha) Anderson, Jennifer (Jacob) Inafuku, Caitlin (Derek) Inamohafukucek, Ashley (Tony) Batholomaus, Allana (Dan) Rogge, Samantha (Tiaan) Truernicht, Adam (Deanne) Rule, and Grace Rule; eight great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren Josie and Andie; a great-great-granddaughter; and sister Anna Schouwenburg of Hills.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; his parents; and siblings Bert, Simon, Henry, Marinus and Peter Schouwenburg, Sophie Berghorst, and Marie Klarenbeek; as well as many other treasured brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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