Donald Lettow

Donald H. Lettow, age 88, of Breckenridge, MN, was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2021, under the care of CHI Hospice and Twin Town Villa, Breckenridge. His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Breckenridge. Pastor Ale Tulu will be officiating the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home.

Donald, affectionately known as “Don,” was born on July 10, 1935, to William and Margaret (Duncan) Lettow, on the family farmstead in Flandreau, South Dakota. While attending school in Flandreau, he worked on the family farm with his parents and sister.

After his formal schooling, Don enlisted in the United States Army. Following the completion of his basic training, Don was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1956.

A few years later, Don met Phyllis Fiest while living in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and they were united in marriage on June 2, 1958. Together, they raised nine children, six boys and three girls. Phyllis passed away in 2005.

Throughout his life, Donald worked in the hospital setting first as a maintenance technician and later, as a steam boiler engineer. His career expanded to the manager of maintenance and boiler engineering for several hospitals throughout Minnesota and Nebraska. Above all, Don enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and looked forward to the next bite.

Don is survived by his children, Kevin (Michelle) Lettow, of Farmington, MN, John (Denise) Lettow, of West Fargo, ND, Rita (Alvin) Boeck, of Wahpeton, ND, Pat Lettow, of Wahpeton, ND, Julie (Bill) Krumwiede, of West Fargo, ND, Diane (Roy) Baxter, of Fairview, MT, Jeff (Kari) Lettow, of New Braunafels, TX, and Tom (Jennifer) Lettow, of Katy, TX. And many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; parents, William and Margaret Lettow; sister, Lorraine Aune; oldest son, Michael Lettow; and grandson, Derek Lettow.