Donald C. Bell

Donald Bell passed away Friday, March 27, 2026, at his home in Owatonna, MN, surrounded by family.

Don was born in Winona, MN, on March 31, 1931, to John and Stella Bell. He attended school in Winona, graduating in 1949. After graduating, he went to work for Bell Dental Laboratory until he joined the Navy in 1951. While in the Navy, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Carol Pickart, on June 13,1953. They had two sons, Glen and Scott. Upon discharge in 1955, he began working for Rochester Dental Laboratory. In 1957, he joined IBM in the Purchasing Department and worked as a Buyer and Contract Administrator, both in Rochester, MN, and Boca Raton, FL. During his career with IBM, he held management positions in Purchasing, Procurement Engineering, Distribution Engineering and International Procurement. Don retired in 1987 after 30 years.

Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and in his earlier years water skiing. He was also very active in bowling where he was one of Rochester's highest average bowlers during the 1960s. He was also instrumental in starting the "Rochester Men's Match Game Championship" in bowling as well as being a charter member of the "Rochester Ski Club".

Don was a life member of the Winona Elks Lodge, life member of the Owatonna VFW, member of the American Legion, past President of the Winona Eagles and a member of the Owatonna Eagles.

Don is survived by his son Scott (Cara) of Owatonna, four grandchildren: Derek (Lindsay) Bell of Lakeville, MN, Lindsey (Jake) Raasch of Zumbrota, MN, Mike (Natalie) Bell of Owatonna, and Melissa Bell (Juan) of Owatonna, and 14 great-grandchildren: Madilynn, Myla, Macy, Melanie, Kora, Noelle, Onna, Payton, Ethan, Austin, Grant, Braylen, Kayla and Juan. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his son Glen, his parents, his seven brothers and four sisters.

A private family service is set for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd, Owatonna) at 10:30 AM. At the conclusion of the service, military honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona.