Don L. KRIENS

Age 73, of Oakdale Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, October 18, 2021. Dr. Don was very proud of his education. He began with a B.Sc. degree from the University of Iowa followed by a M.Sc degree also from the University of Iowa. Don received his Professional Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. Don furthered his education at Harvard University School of Public Health obtaining a M.Sc. and Sc. Doctoral and was most recently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Harvard. As Principal Engineer at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, research at Harvard with the Indus River Basin in Pakistan, consulting for the Delaware River Keepers, and the State of Florida Manatee Safety Initiative, all exemplify his work for environmentally safe waters. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Alice; wife, Mary Hayes; and his paternal grandparents, Gus and Hattie. Don will be missed by his sons, Travis and Tyler Kriens; granddaughters, Cadence and Olivia; partner, Pamela Meyer; sister, Vicki (Thomas) Miller; niece, Sara (Jesse) Curtis; nephews, Curtis (Tina) Miller and Justin (Sara) Miller; and other family and friends. Donny spent his childhood summers with his grandparents, Gus & Hattie, and many cousins, on Leech Lake fishing, swimming, riding horses and burros. Don and his partner, Pam, retired to SW Florida where they enjoyed cycling, kayaking, and sunsets. Don's stories and humor made him loved by all who met him. A private service will be held November 6th at White Oak Cemetery in Chamberlin Minnesota. Memorials preferred to: Gateway Browns Creek Trail Association, Lakeview Hospice, Stillwater, Minnesota. 651-439-5511