Donald Lemm

Donald Lemm, 88, of Browerville, passed away on September 30, 2021.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 12 noon, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville with Fr. Mitchell Bechtold officiating.  Friends may call on the day of the funeral from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the church.  Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery, Browerville.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Browerville Food Shelf, PO Box 81, Browerville, MN  56438

Donald James was born November 9, 1932, in Browerville to Urban and Cora (Kuvaas) Lemm, with help from a midwife.  He grew up with 4 older siblings, Allen, Lyle, Eugene, and Eileen, and a younger sister, Carolyn.

In high school, Don played football, basketball, and baseball.  In his free time, he entertained at local dances playing saxophone in a band.

Community involvement was important to Don.  In 1946, he got his first job with the city of Browerville sweeping streets with a push broom and digging sewers for 25 cents an hour.  He moved up in ranks to volunteer firefighter, and then Mayor of Browerville for 6 years.  Don was drafted into the US Army on January 16, 1951, during the Korean War, reaching the rank of Sergeant 1st Class before being honorably discharged.  He served on the school board, and was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.  He also sang in the adult church choir for 60+ years.  Don’s career was spent as a traveling salesperson, and he sold insurance until retirement.

Faith, family, and friends were Don’s great passions. Don knew from the very first day he met Lila Thomas that he would do anything to have her for his wife.  On June 16, 1954, they were married in Browerville.  Don and Lila enjoyed 60 blessed years together.

Family time was precious to Don.  Larry, Allen, Kevin, Kristopher, and Carrie felt their dad was a good example of life, love, and teaching them what was important.  He shared with them his enjoyment of the great outdoors.  His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; wife Lila; siblings Allen, Lyle, Fr. Eugene, and Eileen Rapatz.  He is survived by his children:  Larry (Chong Cha), Allen (Pamela), Kevin (Judy), Kristopher (Debbie), Carrie (John) Beck; 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; sister Carolyn (Marvin) Swedal, and sister-in-law Jeanette Lemm.

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my Glory and the One Who lifts up my head.

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