Donald J. Beehler

1940 - 2024

Donald Beehler, age 84 of Foley, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family Nov. 15, 2024. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Foley. The Rev. George Sagissor will officiate, and burial will take place in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20 and will continue 10-11 a.m. at the church Thursday. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Donald James Beehler was born Oct. 26, 1940, on the home farm in Alberta Township, Benton County, to Max and Freida (Fenske) Beehler. He graduated from Foley High School, class of 1958. He married Sharon Tarnowski Nov. 18, 1961, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Donald farmed all his life on the Beehler Century Farm in Alberta Township, founded in 1906. Donald also worked for Frigidaire, Grows Feed Store and most notably drove school bus for the Foley School District for 58 years, He retired from driving bus in August 2024. He was a 4-H leader for over 50 years, enjoyed dancing at Mr. Jim's in Foley and traveling with his wife. The couple could often be seen at the many sporting and school events that their grandchildren participated in. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his children: Tammy (Steven) Goertz of Long Prairie; Dawn (Mark) Johnson of Willmar; Randy of Foley; Ginger of Fort Meyers, Florida.; Kimberly, Oakdale; daughter-in-law, Donita Beehler, Foley; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren as well as sister; Maxine Christianson of Minot, North Dakota; Alice Montgomery of Winter Park, Florida; Elaine Monaghan, Brandon of Mississippi and Jean (Gary) Wisneski of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon; son, Kenny; two great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Alice Goertz; brothers, Raymond and Leonard; and nephews; David, Gerald, Paul and Daniel.