Donald Eystad

Donald Eugene Eystad, son of Joseph and Bertha (Buntje) Eystad, was born January 31, 1927. Tubby grew up in rural Alberta, MN, where he was confirmed at Reque Lutheran Church on November 10, 1940 by Reverend N.C. Renslo. He also received his schooling in that area at rural school District #24. On October 7, 1947, Tubby was united in marriage to Louise Mae Leuthard. As a member of the Army National Guard 47th Infantry, Tubby was called to serve his country during the Korean War. Following his discharge from the service on May 23, 1952, the couple made their home in the Morris area, where Tubby worked as the Standard Oil Bulk Agent for many years. He also worked as the manager of the City Off Sale and as a school bus driver.



Tubby was an active member of the Morris American Legion, even serving as Post Commander at one point. He was also a member of the 9-F Sportsmans Club in Morris. Some of his other interests included playing cards, hunting, watching sports, and in his earlier days, playing on the town softball team. He also enjoyed time spent visiting with his many friends and family.



Tubby died on Friday, October 20, 2006 at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, having lived to reach the age of 79 years.



He is survived by his wife: Louise Eystad of Morris; six children: Deb (Mick) Rose of Morris; Joe (Nikki) Eystad of Morris, Dan Eystad of Morris, Steven (Lisa) Eystad of Hutchinson, Dale (Connie) Eystad of St. Michael and Jay (Nancy) Eystad of Park Rapids; 18 grandchildren: Eric (Jenny) Rose of Morris, Sara Rose of Burnsville, Kyle (Krissie) Rose of Hancock, Joel Eystad of Marshall, Jake Eystad of Duluth, Hayley Eystad, Autumn Eystad, Rhianna Eystad and Trevor Eystad of Morris, Corey Eystad of Waite Park, Whitney Eystad of Hutchinson, Mariah Eystad, Cierra Eystad and Kiana Eystad of St. Michael and Zach Eystad, Emily Eystad, Sam Eystad and Abby Eystad of Park Rapids; five great-grandchildren: Dylan and Caden Rose of Morris and Dalton, Davin and Isabell Rose of Morris; one brother: Vernon (Sherrie) Eystad of Kensington; two sisters: Arlene Freeman of Austin, TX and Janell (Howard) Jensen of Wahpeton, ND; one sister-in-law: Donna Eystad-Bahr of Morris and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Bertha; brother: Melvin Eystad; brother-in-law: Charles Freeman and daughter-in-law: Lynette Eystad.