Donald Gold
Donald Charles Gold, 80, of Motley passed away at his home May 5, 2018 due to complications of dementia.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lincoln Evangelical Free Church 1354 320th St., Cushing, on Saturday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A lunch will be provided.
A private family burial will be held at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.
Don was born October 21, 1937, in Staples to Elmer M. and Marlys M. (Batcher) Gold. He was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church of Staples. He attended public school in Staples graduating in 1955 and attended one year at St. Cloud State University. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Schmitt on August 25, 1956. They made their home south of Motley where he assisted his father in raising turkeys, purchasing the farm from his father in 1960. Don operated a gas transport delivering petrol to the El-Ray Truck Stop in Motley, later hiring a driver which he continued until 1977. At times Don managed other side businesses such as cattle, pigs, lumber and gravel but the turkey business was his mainstay. He expanded the turkey farm many times over the years moving to egg production in the 1970s and partnering with his sons, Mike and Tom. He retired in 1999, selling his interest in Gold Turkey Farms.
Don received his private pilot license in August 1974 and flew several cross country trips for pleasure and business. He especially enjoyed flying into areas that were not reachable by auto for his favorite pastime of fishing. He was a past member of the MN Turkey Growers Association, the Staples United District Hospital board and First Integrity Bank board.
He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, spending time in Canada. Following retirement, he and his life companion Lael Wiegele spent time traveling. He enjoyed playing cards and cribbage. Don spent his last years residing in his own home with his grandson Derek (Kali) Gold and family.
Survivors include two daughters, Stephanie (Alvin) Sjoberg of Willmar, and Theresa (Michael) Emery of Idaho Falls, ID; three sons, Michael (Cindy) Gold of Staples, Thomas (Linda) Gold of Motley and Russell (Cindy) Gold of Acworth, GA; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one brother, Douglas (Vicky) Gold of Motley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles and special friend Lael Wiegele.
In lieu of memorials or flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, www.theaftd.org/ w20c A00006B2018MAY17
