Donald J. Fitzgerald

Obituary

Donald Joseph Fitzgerald was born on June 19, 1922, in Slayton, Minnesota. He was the son of Frank and Regina (Kearns) Fitzgerald. Donald was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, with the class of 1940.

Donald was inducted into the United States Army on October 6, 1942. He entered active service on October 29, 1942, at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Award. He was honorably discharged on December 19, 1945, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin as a TEC4.

On December 2, 1966, Donald was united in marriage to Yvonne Peterson at the Little Chapel in South Dakota. Yvonne and Donald resided in Hutchinson. They also resided in Florida for several years, where they managed a Days Inn and a private motel. Donald and Yvonne had shared 41 years of marriage when Yvonne passed on May 21, 2008.

Donald was employed as a bus driver for the Jefferson Bus Line for 20 years, a custodian at Faith Lutheran Church, and a delivery driver for Napa Auto Parts until 2007. He enjoyed farming with his brother-in-law, Stan. Together, they raised sheep and steer. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed traveling in the RV with his wife, Yvonne. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Donald passed away on June 5, 2019, at Woodstone Senior Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 96 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Donald is survived by his:
Children, Judy Holmes and her husband, Bruce, of Prior Lake. MN;
Bruce Bruhn and his wife, Lorelle, of Farmington, ME,
Bonnie Richards and her husband, Len, of Billings, MT,
Shelly Fitzgerald and Dale, of Hutchinson, MN,
Steven Bruhn and his wife, Nancy, of Hutchinson, MN;
9 Grandchildren;
16 Great-Grandchildren;
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren;
nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his Parents, Frank and Regina Fitzgerald; Wife, Yvonne Fitzgerald; Siblings, Henry Fitzgerald, Leonard Fitzgerald, Leo Fitzgerald, Duane Fitzgerald, and Bonita Marks.