Donald Sumstad

1936-2018

Donald “Don” Howard Sumstad, 82, of Menahga, Minnesota died on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the Green Pines Acres Nursing Home in Menahga.

Donald was born on June 16, 1936 in Eagle Lake Township, Otter Tail County near Ashby, the son of Herben and Ruth (Thompson) Sumstad. He grew up and attended school at Fergus Falls. He entered the US Army in February of 1954 for a three year active duty term of service. He was trained as a cook and served as a cook. He was honorably discharged as a SP3 in February of 1957. He was united in marriage to Loretta Jensen on October 11, 1954. They were blessed with five children. He worked as a baker the majority of his life, owning Don’s bakery in Park Rapids for many years. He also worked for 15 years as a bakery supply salesman for Best Brands, retiring in 2007. His wife Loretta passed away in 2001. He was married to Shirley Meskowski on August 30, 2004. He was a charter member of the Fergus Falls Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.

Don enjoyed baking, fishing, motorcycles, bird and deer watching and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Sumstad of Menahga; his five children: Greg (Kathy) Sumstad of Unalakleet, Alaska, Gary (Monica) Sumstad of Watertown, Cheryl Nelson of Menahga, Brenda Larson of Menahga, and Lance (Sheri) Sumstad of Akeley; his two brothers: David (Trudie) Sumstad of Wallkill, New York and Steve (Gina) Sumstad of Andover; his sister, Liz Nelson of Coon Rapids; his sister-in-law, Edie Sumstad of Fergus Falls; his brother-in-law, Lowell Drechsel of Erhard; 12 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Red River Event Center at Akeley, Minnesota from 1 until 5 p.m. Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.