PAUL E. DONTH SR, age 77, of Luverne formerly of Magnolia, died Friday, March 31, 2017, at the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home in Luverne.  He was born January 29, 1940, in Adrian, to Edward and Jennie (Nagel) Donth.  Paul attended school in Magnolia. 

   Paul married Michele Anderson in June of 1960 and they divorced in 1974.  Paul married Kim Haacke in Sioux Falls, SD on July 30, 1983.  Paul started trucking at a young age for his father’s trucking and shelling business.  He started working at the Magnolia elevator at the age of 16.  He was their bulk truck driver for forty years.  He also sold fire extinguishers at that time.  He started hauling livestock for farmers with his own rig in 1973.  After Paul left the elevator he helped out his daughter and son-in-law by taking a route hauling produce up to the cities.  He also worked at Pamida in Luverne for a few years.

   Paul was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne where he served as a greeter and an Usher.  He was a member of the Magnolia Fire Department where he served as a fire chief for four years; and City Constable.  He was also a member of Luverne Eagles Club, Magnolia Booster Club, a Magnolia 4-H Leader, and helped with the Magnolia Cub Scouts.  

   Paul was a devoted Ford owner, he always claimed you need to drive something that wouldn’t break down.  He enjoyed bowling (along with Wii bowling with his great grandchildren), woodworking, camping, fishing and spending time with his family.  He also enjoyed bingo, telling jokes (with a few even being funny) and a story or two.

   He is survived by his wife Kim Donth, Luverne; two children, Shelly (Dan Leiding) Deutsch, Mapleton, MN; and Paul (Lola) Donth, Rock Rapids, IA; three step children, Kristina (Bryan) Pressley, Auburn, WA; Katherine (Corey) Gunderson, Madison, SD; and Lance (Angela) Haacke, Spring, TX; fourteen grandchildren, Colter (friend, Codie), Amanda (Ryan), Dustin, Bradley, Eric (Janel), Brynn, Lydia, Travis (Samantha), Gage (Jamie), Corbin, Dane, Avaree, Ethan & Eli; thirteen great grandchildren; brother, Karen (Mary) Donth, Magnolia; and many nieces & nephews.

   Paul is preceded in death by his parents; an infant child; granddaughter, Jessica Julius; two brothers, Pete and Myron; and his sister Marjorie Smook.

Visitation will be from 5-7 Monday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral will be 10:30 am Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Theodora Hall.

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