Donald Walter Kemnitz

Donald Walter Kemnitz, 84, of Willmar, died Friday, October 25th at his home in Willmar. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 30th at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Tuesday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to his service at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Renville. Memorials are preferred to Hawk Creek Animal Shelter, American Heart Association or Calvary Lutheran Church. www.hafh.org

His service will be livestreamed on Calvary's YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@calvarywillmar)

Donald Walter Kemnitz was born on August 7, 1940, at home in Winfield Township to Walter and Elsa (Kohls) Kemnitz. He was baptized September 2, 1940, and confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Danube. Donnie graduated from Danube High School in 1958.

He married Arlene Mae Abbas on February 7, 1959. While living in the Renville area, Donnie was an active member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church. Donnie hauled milk for the Renville Creamery until 1963, after which he worked for David Peterson and Harlan Johnson Feed Lot as well as some farming on his own. Donnie was also a part time cop for the city of Renville for 17 years.

In 1985, Donnie started driving truck for Cenex/Land O’ Lakes Agronomy. He was there until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, he went to work part time for Arnold's Case IH for 10 years. He also removed snow for all the neighbors

Donnie married Sandy Jakel on December 27, 2003. Donnie was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church where he served as an usher and on the building grounds and maintenance committee.  After his second retirement, he enjoyed mowing lawn for the neighbors and his daily morning coffee with "the boys" either at McDonald's or McMillans.

Donnie's faith and church were important to him. His family always knew he loved them; each phone call would end with "love you, and take care." He enjoyed having them come and just being together. He loved to laugh and have a good time. Always saying "life is too short, not to enjoy and have fun."

Donnie is survived by his wife, Sandy and children: Terri (Terry) Roschild of Renville, Suzi (Larry) Scherling of Casper, WY, Pam (Todd) Beck of Miltona, Greg (Jackie) Kemnitz of Thompson, IA, Larry (Tonya) Jakel of Cold Spring, Scott (Carrie) Jakel of St. Paul, Darren (Joyce) Jakel of Rogers, Jeff (Sarah) Sieck (in-town bonus son) of Willmar; 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Darlene (Lenny) Rock, Diane McCracken, and Dan (Trudy) Kemnitz; brothers-in-law: Duaine (Ann) Amundson, Stanley (Phyllis) Abbas, Paul (Jolyn) Abbas, Lowell (Charlotte) Abbas; and sisters-in-law: Mary Abbas, Mavis (Wayne) Maurice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Arlene Kemnitz; grandson, Jerod Roger Jakel; great-granddaughter, Scarlet Fast; sister, Doris Matson; brothers-in-law: Leland Matson, Gaylen Abbas, Kenny Abbas and Ken McCracken.

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