Donald George Richtsmeier

Donald G. Richtsmeier, 88, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the Thorne Crest assisted living campus in Albert Lea, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Pastors Tim Diehl and Gerald Molkenthin will be officiating.

Don was born on July 8, 1937 to George and Helen Richtsmeier in Ackley, Iowa. In 1960, he married Shirley Lacour at the St. John’s United Church of Christ located in Ackley. Don attended Hamilton College in Mason City, Iowa, where he graduated with a two year degree in business. After graduation, Don was hired by Paul Jones Marketing, and later worked with the Hollandale Marketing Association.

In his spare time, Don loved to hunt and fish. He would often take trips up to Canada or out west with his friends. He was also an avid trap shooter and snowmobiler. On his acreage just south of Hollandale, he would raise horses and garden. Don was an active song leader as a member of the Conservative Congregational Church in Hollandale.

Don is survived by his wife of 65 years Shirley; his nieces and nephews Chris (Denise) Richtsmeier, Darla (Jeff) Thiessen, Lynda (Dean) Krumm, Dale (Kate) Richtsmeier, Georgia (Mike) England, Dan (Heide) Richtsmeier and Deeann Hompe and David Kahn and sister-in-law Barb Meanes.

Don is preceded in death by his parents George and Helen Richtsmeier; his mother and father-in-law Irene and Lloyd Lacour; brother Russell Richtsmeier; and sister-in-law Roberta.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be made to the Hollandale Heritage Center, or the Ackley, Iowa Heritage Center.

The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the following link: https://youtube.com/live/EyR3YE002Vc?feature=share