Date of Birth:
Thursday, March 14, 1935
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Age:
74 years old

Donald J. Krahn

Donald Joseph Krahn was born on March 14, 1935, in Rochester, to Fred and Agnes (Dwyer) Krahn. He died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at his home, following a lengthy illness. He was 74.

Don graduated from Rochester High School in 1954. He married his only love Barbara (Batterson) on July 7, 1956, at the Church of St. Francis. In 1957, he was drafted into the Army. After his tour of duty, he worked as a baker and drove garbage truck before entering the construction industry. He worked for 34 years as a Field Coordinator for Weis Builders. He was also their safety director, along with safety trainer and advisor for CPI. He was an instructor for the Apprentice Cement Mason program at Rochester Vo-Tech. In 1995, he served as chairman of the construction industry for the United Way. He was also a 40-year member of Building and Trades.

He was a partner in the Ron-De-Voo bar and restaurant. He dedicated many years of his life to various church and goodwill projects, including Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch and the Habitat for Humanity program. For many years he enjoyed traveling all over Mexico with many good friends. He loved the peace of the Mississippi River, where he owned cabins on Clear Lake and Petersen Lake in Wabasha.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; sons, Michael (Jennifer) and Daniel; his brother, Ken, and sister, Hazel, of Rochester; and brothers, Carl and Jerry (Peg), and sister, Joan, all of Portland, Ore. His grandchildren, Dahlton, Michaela and Haley, also survive. His in-laws include Iris Petersen and June Krahn of Portland, Tom (Marlene) Batterson, Susan (Sid) Frank of Mazeppa, Dick (Norma) Batterson, Dave (Marsha) Batterson and Jane Batterson, all of Rochester. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Fred Jr. (Sonny), Richard and Robert.

The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Resurrection Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.

Macken Funeral Home, Rochester. www.mackenfuneralhome.com.