Donald Arthur Strege

Donald "Don" Strege, age 97, of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Newport Lutheran Church 900 15th Street; Newport, MN with a visitation from 10-11 AM. Interment will be in the Newport Cemetery, Newport, MN. 

Don was born June 6, 1927 to Gustave and Amelia Strege in Drake, North Dakota. Following high school Don joined the United States Army serving in post war Germany. He and Vivian settled in Newport to raise their family. Don began working for Northwestern Refinery in St. Paul Park and continued his career there for over 42 years. He enjoyed the outdoors by hunting, fishing and golfing in his spare time. He also was a member of the Newport City Council and a part of the Newport Fire Department for many years. Don will be remembered for his generous service as the "Backyard Mechanic" fixing things for family and friends, even if it meant he had to customize a part himself to make it work. More than anything, he will be missed by his family as they were the heart of his life. 

Don is survived by children Kevin (Angela), Keith (Arlene), Kathie Fitzenberger, Kyle (Debra), and Kent (Carol); 13 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and two sisters Betty Hornbacher and Carol Gerber.  He is preceded in death by parents Gustave and Amelia Strege; wife Vivian; daughter-in-law Sharon Strege; long term companion Claire Froelich and 12 siblings.