Donly E Cromwell

Donly Eugene Cromwell, age 90, died on Nov 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at Community Lutheran Church in Geneva on Sunday Dec 21st at 1:00 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior. Interment will follow at the Geneva Cemetery. Pastor Leandra Anderson will be officiating

Donly was born on September 18, 1935 to Chester & Olga Cromwell. He attended Ellendale High School. On Oct 27, 1957, he married his soulmate, JoAnne King. Together they had 5 children.

Donly was a man of perfection and accuracy in everything he did and this included his penmanship! He was proud to serve in the Marines. He was a lifelong carpenter & did drafting for a few companies in Albert Lea. He built everything from bird feeders to homes and everything in between. He even had a hand in building the Geneva Elevator with his dad and brothers.

Donly will be remembered by his family and all that knew him by his kindness and hard work ethic. There are so many “remember when dad” moments that fill our memories. Thank you Dad/Grandpa/Donly for the memories that fill our everyday life.

Donly is survived by his 5 children, Renae (Don) Olson of Janesville, Jodie (Steve) Dittrich of Owatonna, Guy (Tracy) Cromwell of Geneva, Lisa Cromwell of Albert Lea and Tara (Jeff) Lembke of Geneva. Brother Skip Cromwell of Farmington. Also, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his best pal, his dog Penny, who kept him company.

Donly is joining his soulmate JoAnne in heaven along with his parents and three brothers, Ronly, Dale and Rick, grandson, Brandon Grunwald, nephews, Mike King, Kendall Cromwell, Jeff Cromwell, Rod Cromwell and Jay Cromwell.

The service was live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home You Tube page at the following link: https://youtu.be/GDgcVu1m-Ls