Date of Birth:
Friday, October 16, 1936
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Age:
88 years old

Donald R. Staley

Donald Roger (Don) Staley – Rochester, Minnesota

Donald Roger Staley, 88, of Rochester, Minnesota died Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Charter House Hospice after a brief, but courageous, battle against leukemia.

Don was born October 16, 1936, in Madison, Wisconsin to LeRoy and Mary (Slattery) Staley. In 1954, he was introduced to the love of his life, Helen Dvorak, through his brother Bob Staley and her brother Dick Dvorak.  Two years later, on June 23, 1956, Don and Helen were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Monona, Wisconsin.

Don worked in the commercial construction business his entire career. He started as a brick mason and grew his career into construction management. He oversaw the construction and development of many commercial properties throughout the United States. He was very proud to have been the Olmsted County Construction Manager for the construction of Government Center in Rochester. After completion of the Government Center, he concluded his long career as a commercial real estate agent. Don was an active member of The Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester where he invested many years as a dedicated volunteer.

Don and Helen lived in Madison, Wisconsin, Dubuque, Iowa, and Prior Lake, Minnesota before settling in Rochester, a place they consider home.

Don loved family, faith, traveling, boating and fixing things. Most of all, he loved music and dancing.  You would find Don and Helen twirling around the dance floor at any event that had a big band sound.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his five siblings.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen. Five children: Helen (David) Wagner, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Donald K. Staley, Des Moines, Iowa; Deborah (Chris) McGuire, Montgomery, Minnesota; Timothy Staley (Julie), Irvine, California; Patrick Staley (Michelle), Rosemount, Minnesota. Five grandchildren: Kerrick Staley, Sarah Staley, Kendall Staley, Helen Staley and Madeline Staley.

The Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with Rev. Msgr. Gerald A. Mahon officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to be made to Rochester Eagle’s Cancer Telethon or your favorite non-profit.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.