Donavan “Don” George Pinske

Obituary

Donavan “Don” George Pinske was born on July 21, 1931, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of George and Marcella “Sally” (Gasta) Pinske. Don was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gaylord. He received his education in Gaylord and was a graduate of the Gaylord High School Class of 1949.

On January 9, 1951, Don entered the United States Navy and served his country in the Korean War. He received the National Defense service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Don was Honorably Discharged on November 17, 1954.

On October 18, 1952, Don was united in marriage to Georgia Ann Smith in Arlington, Virginia. After their marriage, the couple resided in Gaylord. In 1954, he became a butcher working with his father who owned and operated Pinske Meat Market, and eventually took over the business, retiring in 1997.

Don was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Gaylord, the Knights of Columbus since he was 17 years old, and he served on the church council for many years. He was also a member of the Manthey-Asmus American Legion Post #433 for more than 60 years, Ducks Unlimited and was a lifelong member of the Winthrop Golf Club. Don and Georgia Ann were blessed with four children and they shared 62 years of marriage.

Don loved to golf and farm; he enjoyed duck, deer, and pheasant hunting, and fishing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Blessed be his memory.

Don is survived by his:

Wife,               Georgia Pinske of Gaylord, MN;

Children,          Debbie (Joel) Guggemos of Winsted, MN,

Mike (Cindy) Pinske of Gaylord, MN,

Brian Pinske of Gaylord, MN, and

Barb Wieman of Gaylord, MN;

Grandchildren, Emily Albrecht and special friend, Dave Wool; April (Mike) Baird of Orono, MN, Amanda Pinske and special friend, Cody Stinson of Gaylord, MN, and Angela (Dale) Steinborn of Gaylord, MN;

Great-Grandchildren, Cody Albrecht, Zachary Gohmann, Aubrey Gohmann, Gavyn Hayden, Brody Stinson, Remington Steinborn, and Nathan Baird;

Sister, Betty (Lowell) Herrmann of Norwood Young America, MN;

Brother, Ted Pinske and special friend, Sandy Schulte of Gaylord, MN;

Sister-In-Law, Alice (Gordon) Tucker of Covington, VA;

Brother-In-Law, Daniel (Norma) Smith of Augusta, GA;

Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren, other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his Parents, George and Sally Pinske; Sisters, Carol (Deke) Bakke, Mony (Charlie) Luebke; and Brother, Joseph Pinske.