Donald George Wille

Donald George Wille, 80, of Puposky, MN passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Bemidji First Assembly of God Church, Bemidji. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 at the First Assembly of God Church and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Don was born to Richard and Edith (Tell) Wille on December 1, 1943, in Bemidji, MN and he grew up on his parent’s farm on the Mississippi River, just east of Lake Bemidji. He attended Lincoln School and Bemidji High. He served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1970. In 1965, Don and Sharon Gaetke were married and welcomed their son, Todd, into the world. Though their marriage was brief, Don and Sharon were both committed to their son’s wellbeing, and they remained supportive of each other throughout their lives. Don drove truck for Ritchie & Tell, Polaris, Rajala Lumber Company, Wille Transport, and Wally’s Oil between 1961 and 1978. During the 80’s and 90’s Don also was a foreman for TCI on several pipeline jobs.

Don Wille married the love of his life, Deborah Jensen, on June 6, 1970. The couple lived in Ball Club until 1972, when they moved to Deer River and their first child, Sabrina, was born. In 1975, Don and Debbie purchased the Hoppe farm on Boston Lake in Puposky MN. Their second daughter, Selena, was born later that year. Don started his own business, Wille Logging, in 1976, which he continued until his death. He added a sawmill to his operations in 1995 and supplied specialty wood products for municipal and commercial construction, as well as public and private artistic installations. Due to his exceptional awareness of and appreciation for nature, forests, and wood, he was asked to consult on many unique and complex projects in Minnesota and across the nation.  Don cared deeply for the people in his community. He had boundless energy for life and a genuine interest in humankind. Don Wille claimed he was the luckiest man on earth. His optimism for each new day never dimmed. He will be deeply missed by those he loved.

Don Wille is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie; son, Todd (Sara) Wille of Bemidji, MN; daughters, Sabrina Wille (Porter Coggins) of Bemidji, MN, and Selena (Elmer) Galdamez of Puposky, MN; neighbor and former son-in-law, Clancy Erickson, of Puposky, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Micah) Wilson, Michael Wille, Donald Isaac (Lonie) Erickson, Clarence Asa Erickson, Aspen Yobany (Majo) Wille Galdamez, and Graham Coggins; siblings, Edith “June” Fankhanel, Richard “Dick” (Sandra) Wille, Helen (Eldon) Winge, and Wilda (Larry) Hegstad.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son’s mother, Sharon Gaetke Gray, and his grandson, Richard Leif Erickson.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

The family request no flowers due to allergies in the family.

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