Donald Snell

Donald Louis Snell, son of Louis and Alatha (Telkamp) Snell, was born September 12, 1930 in Morris, Minnesota. He was baptized into the Methodist faith. Don grew up North of Chokio, MN and received his schooling at various country schools. Following his schooling, he worked on the family farm, before enlisting in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge and returned to work on the family farm. In 1960, Don purchased his own farm near Chokio. On April 25, 1964, he was united in marriage to Fern Kummer. The couple lived on the farm, where they continued to farm and raise their children. Don and Fern retired in 1988 and moved into Chokio, where they have continued to live until 2005, when Don moved to West Wind Village.





Don was a member of the Chokio American Legion for over 50 years. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, spending summers at Hobo Park in Starbuck and deer hunting with his family. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren.





Don died on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 76 years.





He is survived by his wife: Fern Snell of Chokio; one son: Don (Kelly) Snell of Montevideo; three daughters: Jessie (David) Wolff of Chokio, Laural "Susie" Rilley of Osseo, WI and Kathie Brunkow of St. Paul; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one grandson: Jeffrey Rilley and parents.





Pallbearers for the service are: David Snell, Ron Snell, Dennis Tirevold, John Marlow, Wayne Westerman and Earl Adolphson. Honorary pallbearers are Don's grandchildren: Maggie Wolff, Laura Wolff, Jackson Snell, Bradon Snell, Amy Dahl, Carrie Brunkow and Jeffrey Rilley. JoAnn Foley will serve as organist for the service with Kelly Snell serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.