Donald Baustian
Donald Baustian, 97, died December 4, 2021, at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.
A Celebration of Life Service was held December 10, at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria.
Donald Dean Baustian was born on July 27, 1924, to Hans and Maymie (Nitteberg) Baustian in Luverne. He graduated high school from Lake Benton and attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a teaching degree in Agriculture Education.
Don was united in marriage to Patricia Bergen on August 6, 1949, at the Presbyterian Church in Stillwater. The couple was blessed with five children and lived in southern Minnesota until moving to Staples in February of 1958. Don worked as an Agriculture Teacher in Staples, where he worked for 30 years. After retiring the couple worked at the Christmas Store in Yellowstone National Park and later at Mount Rushmore in the gift shop. They enjoyed wintering in Rockport, TX for a number of years.
Don enjoyed the outdoors, music, reading, traveling and family. He was active in the Staples Men’s Chorus and the Staples United Methodist Choir. He was very involved with education, the community, and Rotary in Staples, as well as the Kiwanis Golden K’s in Alexandria. Don and Pat enjoyed camping trips and taking the children across the United States. They also enjoyed volunteering at Knute Nelson and visiting with the residents. Don will be remembered as a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was even in his disposition, consistent in his beliefs and loved his country, church and family.
He is survived by two sons, Brian (Patti) Baustian and Brent Baustian, both of Alexandria; one daughter, Barbara (Donald) Swenson of Oakdale; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; parents; two sons, Bradley and Bruce Baustian and four sisters, Wayva, Orva, Hazel and June.
The Family requests that you consider making a donation to the Knute Nelson Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory, www.andersonfuneral.net.
w51c A00006B2021DC15
