Donald Franklin Wegner Sr. was born on July 20, 1935, 5 1/2 miles north of Armstrong to Frank and Emma (Werling) Wegner. He was the youngest of 15 children who were all delivered by Dr. West.
Don attended Cheever School through the 8th grade. On December 14, 1954, he was united in marriage to Elda Larson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairmont, MN. To this union, 7 children were born: Deb, Sandy, Don Jr., Sheryl, Bonnie, Greg, and Jackie. This marriage later dissolved.
Don farmed and raised livestock and worked at Pete Hirt Potato Farm. During this time, he started Wegner Enterprise which included trucking and corn shelling.
In 1978, Don met Karen Drager and together they operated the East Side Cafe from 1981-2001. During that same time, they enjoyed spending their summers at Tuttle Lake, fishing and relaxing. They later welcomed Agnes and Bill into the family.
After the East Side closed, they purchased an acreage north of Armstrong. They made many improvements and enjoyed their time here. They eventually sold the acreage and bought a house in town.
Don really enjoyed large family gatherings with all his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.
Other hobbies he enjoyed were bean bags, horseshoes, playing cards and pool. He was known for his gardening skill and ability to grow large radishes, making fresh horseradish and homemade wine. His most well-known trait was being able to wiggle his ears, along with always wanting hugs and kisses from loved ones.
Don spent his final years in the care of Valley Vue Care Center where he received excellent care from all the wonderful staff.
Don passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, after spending his final days surrounded by loved ones.
Don is survived by his sweetheart, Karen Drager; children, Deb (Jack) Smith, Sandy (Byron) Steuer, Don (MarkLynn) Wegner Jr., Sheryl Becker, Bonnie (Perry) Pergande, Greg (Lisa) Wegner, Jackie (John) Anderson, Agnes Chagani, and William (Deana) Wegner; 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son Frankie, grandson, Jeffrey, great-grandson, Oaklie, parents, Frank and Emma (Werling) Wegner; sisters, Luella Hansen, Norma Jorgensen, Pearl Borowiak, Fern Nawrocki, Florence Pytleski, Arlene Wegener, Gladys Mart, Lillian Johnson,Velda Sathoff, Delores Sathoff, and Dorothy Johnson, brothers, Clyde Wegner, Earl Wegner, Robert Wegner, and Karen’s daughter, Denise.
In honor of Don, guests are asked to wear something in his favorite color, Red, to his funeral service.
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