Donald Byrne

Donald Francis Byrne was born in De Graff, MN, one of ten children, on December 3, 1923 to John “Benedict” Byrne and Grace Clifford Byrne. He was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Bridget’s Church in De Graff. He died at the Douglas County Hospital on September 10, 2014 at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.
He was raised on a farm in Clara City, MN until 1939 when his parents purchased the farm now located on Burn Rd in Millerville Township, MN.
In 1944, he enlisted in the Army spending his 21st birthday in basic training. He spent the remaining days of the war in the Philippines supervising the construction of building storage sheds for the Army. His Filipino liaison was a man by the name of Marcos. Not until decades later, while hearing this man’s voice on the television, did he realize that the man being exiled from his country, was the same man he worked with during the war. His full name, Ferdinand Marcos, president of the Philippines.
When Don returned from the war, he worked at the Star of Tribune and drove school bus until 1960 when he moved back to the Millerville area.
In 1955 he married Mary “Ruth” Schiele in Urbank, MN.
Don always loved farming, and he knew someday he would purchase a farm - a specific farm. When that opportunity arose, he moved his family to the farm where he has lived for the last 54 years. He always said, “If you can find a job you love, you’ll l never have to work a day in your life”. So he must have been on vacation for 54 years – that’s a wonderful life.
He was involved in his community as a township supervisor and volunteer fireman, a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.
Don married Agnes Pischke Daas in 1983 and spent the last 31 years together living on the farm. He never wanted to be anywhere else. That wish was fulfilled until the last few hours of his life.
Don is survived by his wife, Agnes; his brother, Joe (Florence) Byrne of Alexandria, MN; his children, Rebecca (Craig) Anderson of Alexandria, Bill (Sonya) Byrne of Welch, MN, Donna (Marcus) Maltby of Boise, ID, John Byrne of Brooklyn Center, MN, Dan(Becky) Byrne of Evansville, MN, and Terri (Todd) Strom of Brandon, MN; stepchildren, Michael Schiele of Sioux Falls, SD, Kathy (Norbert) Lenarz of Millerville, Susan (John) Meyer of Bozeman, MT, Annette Suchy of Evansville, MN, Sharon (Duane) Berkner of Brainerd, MN, Joe (Karen) Daas of Wichita, KS, Jerry Daas of Alexandria, MN and Alicia Daas of Little Falls, MN; 36 grandchildren; and 24 great- grandchildren with 2 more great-grandchildren “papooses” on the way. Don loved his children and grandchildren, and he was loved back so much more. He will be remembered as a wonderful dad and grandpa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his young son, Thomas; grandson, Taylor Bergsrud; brothers, Ray, Clarence, Bill, Jack and Jerry Byrne: and sisters, Angela Gardner, Rose Lederman and Bernice Kelly Boos; and many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Our Lady of the Seven Dolors Church in Millerville. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. American Legion Post 527 and the Minnesota National Guard provided military honors. Casket bearers include Craig Lenarz, Anthony Anderson, Keegan Byrne, Zachary Byrne, Rick Lenarz and Kris Jesnowski. Honorary casket bearers include Sarah Williams, Elizabeth Amundson, Madison Maltby, McKenna Maltby, Beauan Maltby, Jenna Radamacher, Nathan Byrne, Tessa Jesnowski, Lindsey Strom, Syndee Byrne, Danica Byrne, Claire Hobbs, Greta Hobbs, Cindy Noetzelman, Shanna Rogers, Walker Dobson, Tanner Bergsrud and Alicia Timm.