Don R. Marben

Don Robert Marben, age 83, of Lake Crystal, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Lake Crystal, MN.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorials may be given to the American Legion Post #294. A private family burial will be held at the Lake Crystal Cemetery. Lake Crystal Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born on October 9, 1942, to John and Lucile (Halland) Marben in Springfield, Minnesota. He grew up in Lamberton until 1947, when he moved to Lake Crystal after his father purchased The Lake Crystal Tribune. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1960 and attended Mankato State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, and was stationed at Fort Riley, KS. He married Judith Marks on September 17, 1967.

Don started working at the Tribune in high school as a sportswriter, earning the nickname “Halsey” after sports announcer Halsey Hall of WCCO Radio. He became editor/publisher of the Tribune in 1979, dedicating 42 years until the paper was sold to the Van Hee’s in 2021. Don continued contributing to the paper up until the time of his death.

Don was a vital pillar of the Lake Crystal community, always keeping his finger on the pulse of local events of every kind. He attended sporting events, was involved in multiple community organizations, was a member of American Legion Post #294, and was a familiar - and happy - face at local eateries. His talent for storytelling extended beyond his work writing for the Lake Crystal Tribune, and his laugh and quick wit will be missed by many.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; children, Ryan (Rachel) Marben of Arlington, Mindy (Andy) Kranz of Mankato, and Mitch Marben of Madison Lake; four grandchildren, Skylar Marben, Grace Kranz, Sam Kranz, and Brian Marben; step grandchildren Soonja Breist, Katrina Roth; four step great grandchildren; sister, Sandra (Dean) Meixell of Lake Crystal; brother, David (Sandi) Marben of Boise, ID; nieces and nephews, Lance (Heidi) Roberts, Lara (Jerry) Wisniewski, Tammy (Dave) Matteson, Tracy (Joe) Loreth, Lucas (Leah) Marben and Cole (Lauren) Marben.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, James (Sandra) Roberts.