Donald Herbert Wackwitz

Donald Herbert Wackwitz, 70, of Wilton, MN, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Olson‑Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji.

Don was born on June 28, 1955, in Sauk Rapids, MN, to Ronald and Beulah (Rothwell) Wackwitz. He was raised in Bemidji, attended JW Smith Elementary School, and graduated from Bemidji High School. A talented athlete, Don was a proud member of the 1973 Bemidji High School baseball team that won the Minnesota State Championship.

Following graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he attended Bemidji State University, where he earned a degree in Psychology. He went on to serve his community as a social worker for Beltrami County, a career he dedicated himself to until his retirement in 2011.

Don enjoyed the simple, steady joys of life—fishing, hunting, playing cribbage, baseball, and darts. He especially loved time spent with family and friends, where his humor, warmth, and easygoing nature were always present.

He is survived by the love of his life, Jo‑Ellen Borth; his brother, Ronald Wackwitz; and his sisters, Cathy Ridlon, Lynnette (Douglas) Pearson, and Pam Zetah. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lori Seay.

Don will be remembered for his loyalty, his quiet strength, and the way he made the people around him feel cared for.

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