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Donald Harens Obituary
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Don was born in Worthington, MN in 1943, and grew up on a farm there. He graduated from Worthington Senior High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Mankato State University. It was there that he met and married his first love, Kathleen Fritz, who preceded him in death in 2005. He spent his career as a dedicated civil servant working for the State of Minnesota with the Department of Revenue. Don enjoyed volunteering at church and in the community. He was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his dedication to living out his Catholic faith, his love of family, joke telling, his compassion, kindness, and his willingness to help anyone in need. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. Though we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived.
Don was preceded in death by wife Kathy A. Harens; parents, Robert and Virginia Harens; siblings, Roger, Mary Charlotte, and Nick Harens; stepson, Chris Johnson.
Don is survived by his wife, Donna K Harens; children, Brian (Mary) Harens, Sheila (Brent) Smith, Colleen (partner- Jim) Harens; stepchildren, Laura (Andrew) Hernandez, Don (Paula) Johnson, Jackie (Mike) Sura; siblings, Jim (Judy) Harens, Dave (Marlys) Harens, John (Gloria) Harens, Tom Harens, Mike (Mary) Harens; grandchildren, Jake (Kori) Harens, Sara (Nate) McCullough, Emily Smith; great-grandchildren, Teddy and Woodrow; five step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Klecatsky and Sons West Chapel, 1051 S. Robert Street in West St. Paul on Monday, March 31st from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St Joseph's Church, 1154 Seminole Avenue, in West St. Paul on Tuesday, April 1st at 11:00AM with a visitation one hour prior. A private burial will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Westwood Ridge for the care they showed our dad during the past 6 months.
Memorials preferred to Catholic Rural Life or Guiding Star Wakota-Pregnancy & Family Resources.
To send flowers to the family of Donald, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Mike Koenigsberger
March 31, 2025
I will always remember Don´s kindness and generosity. Just one example - a small group of us from the old St. Michael´s Church volunteered once a week to bring Communion hosts over to Southview Care Center to distribute to resident Catholics in their rooms. Don was among the faithful who routinely joined the group to offer Holy Communion. I also know Don freely volunteered his time in other areas.
My prayers are with you Donna and your family in mourning the loss of a great human being!
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Jan Preiner
March 30, 2025
I'll always remember Don's generosity in helping me whenever I needed his help! He and Kathy were wonderful neighbors! After Kathy passed away I was so glad he married Donna. Sometimes he'd go in our backyard, look up and say: "I need to be more like Bill!" Because Bill worked nights, everything was taken care of for him. Don had such a broad sense of caring for others he sometimes had to lessen his load and express that, in our backyard!
He will be deeply missed by all!
Love and prayers to Donna and all his family and friends
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1051 South Robert Street, West Saint Paul, MN 55118
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