1944
Donald
2010
Donald Bristlin
January 27, 1944 — August 1, 2010
Donald E. Bristlin, 66, resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Sunday, August 1, 2010 at home in the loving arms of his wife and family and under care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Donald Eugene Bristlin was born January 27, 1944 in Waseca, MN to Robert and Alice (Oswaldson) Bristlin. He attended several different schools before graduating from Frazee High School in 1961. Don entered the U.S. Air Force in 1962. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and was later employed with Control Data until 1976. He owned and operated the Northside Texaco from 1976 to 1980. From 1980-1990, Don worked for Lakes Ford in Detroit Lakes and on Valentine’s Day February 14, 1992, Don was united in marriage to Shirley at Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. He later joined the Heavy Equipment Operators Union 49’Rs until his retirement in 2006. Following his retirement, Don built a new home for his wife with the help of family and friends. He kept himself busy with the American Legion, where he served as gambling manager and volunteered for the Lake Region Color Guard, providing military honors to those that served our country. He enjoyed tending to his garden, especially keeping a close eye on his tomatoes and squash, walking his dog, Trixie and on Sundays, you would find Don coaching the Minnesota Vikings from the comfort of his home. He enjoyed his trips to Laughlin, NV and also had a hand in organizing annual trips to Deadwood, SD. Don also enjoyed working on classic cars and building hot rods. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, VFW, American Legion, Eagles and co-founder of the 1 st Zingers squadron in Detroit Lakes.
Don will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Shirley of Detroit Lakes, his children: Brent (Jennifer) Bristlin of Detroit Lakes, Kimberly King (Dave Kudzia) of Minneapolis, MN, LuAnn Bristlin (Joann Sorbello) of Newark, DE, Lori Phillips of West Fargo, ND and Tammy (Brad) Birky of Frazee, MN. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren along with three brothers: Bob (Rita) Bristlin of Detroit Lakes, Dick Bristlin of Detroit Lakes, Gary (Cathy) Bristlin of Bemidji, MN and one sister Bonnie (Dennis) Curfman of Detroit Lakes.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Alice Bristlin
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