Donovan Irving Merseth

Donovan Irving Merseth, 82, of Zumbrota, Minnesota passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester MN. The son of Alfred and Delphine (Jackson) Merseth, he was born October 6, 1939, at St. Mary’s in Rochester. Donnie was baptized December 10, 1939 and confirmed May 24, 1953 at United Redeemer Lutheran Church. After graduating from Zumbrota High School in 1957, he studied at the University of Minnesota and Mankato State University, completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Geography, and a minor in Psychology. He loved music throughout his school years, starring in Brigadoon his senior year in high school, playing the trombone, and singing in the Glee Club at U of MN. He joined his Uncle Clarence doing construction and worked at Glacier National Park for 3 of his college summers, which he loved and hoped to visit again someday. Donnie served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965 at Fort Devens Massachusetts and in Turkey, receiving a Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter badge. His work with Nielson Company took him to New York City and Baltimore, Maryland where he also enjoyed sailing, carpentry, and was an avid reader of history books. A highlight of his years out east was frequent visits and never-ending history discussions with nephews Tim and Erik while they attended the Naval Academy. After a couple years in Lilburn, GA, he settled back in his hometown of Zumbrota and worked for Menards (Red Wing) for 12 years. Donnie loved daily walks with his dog which afforded him many a friend and good conversation across town. Ivan 1 and Ivan 2 held a particularly special place in his heart, but he loved sharing his life and home with many furry companions through the years. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Marjean and Don Stechmann, and nephew Kurt Stechmann. He is survived by sister and brother-in-law Arlys and Lyle Berg (Webster SD), along with many cousins, nieces and nephews, wonderful neighbors and his beloved canine, Gus. A Celebration of Life will be on August 13, 2022, at 11 AM at United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, Minnesota. Donnie’s family will receive friends from 10-11 AM at United Redeemer Lutheran Church. Burial will be in United Lutheran Cemetery in Zumbrota with full military honors provided by Mazeppa Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials in honor of Donnie can be made to Paws and Claws in Rochester MN (https://www.pawsandclaws.org/wpweb/donate/) or to an animal rescue of your choosing.