Donald "Don" Konsela
Donald “Don” Konsela Sr., age 76 of Durand, died Friday, December 5, 2014 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side.
Don was born on August 23, 1938 in Arcadia. He was the son of Leo and Evelyn (Kirschner) Konsela. Don grew up around the Durand area and joined the U.S. Army in September of 1956. He served in Germany and Lebanon before being honorably discharged in September of 1958. After returning home from the Army, Don went to work for Lyle Supri at the Mobil Station in Durand. Don married LaVonne “Vonnie” Bignell on October 10, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. After marriage, Don continued to work at the Mobil Station and later purchased it. He operated the Mobil Station until 1968 when he sold the business. Don worked for the Pepin County Highway Department for a short while before working for Polzer’s Garage for 10 years. In 1979, Don built his own shop, Northside Transmission and Auto which he operated with his sons until July of 2014.
Don enjoyed ice racing, camping, boating, gardening and car shows. He enjoyed spending time outdoors cutting wood, being at his cabin and hunting. Don took every one of his grandchildren on a trip to South Dakota and took a special trip to Germany with Vonnie. Don was member of the Plum City American Legion and a Supervisor for the Waubeek Town Board.
Don is survived by his children; Cindy (Larry) Holmstadt of Durand, Don Jr., Tim (Becky), both of Elmwood and Brice (friend Sandy Biles) of Durand, nine grandchildren; Rick (Jessica), Daniel (friend Janet), Sarah, Kylie, Kruz (Britany), Kody, Brady, Taylor and Lili, four great grandchildren; Macy, Grant, Luxen and Anika, two brothers; Dave (Carol) and Jim (Irene), both of Durand, one sister; Ruth Forster of Durand, one uncle; August “Bud” (Myrna) Konsela of Manitowoc, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Vonnie (2012), one son; Bobby (1964) one brother-in-law; Lyle Forster, nephew; Lyle “Butch” Forster Jr.
Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Rev. Paul Bosco will officiate. Burial will be in the Waubeek Cemetery in rural Durand with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials if desired may be made in Don’s name to the Pepin County Senior Center or the Pepin County Humane Society.
Rhiel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.