DONALD MARTIN HENDEL, age 80, of Wilmont, died surrounded by family on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society in Waconia, after a peaceful transition. He was born September 2, 1935, to Alphonse and Ella (Haverkamp) Hendel.
Don spent most of his adult life farming in Wilmont. He took so much pride in caring for the family farm. He also had worked at Campbell's Soup, in Worthington, for over ten years. Don was very proud to be a veteran and loved the connection he had to our great country.
He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont; and the Lismore American Legion. Don was an avid bird watcher, fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed time with his family most of all.
Don is survived by his five children from past marriage with Pamela Kramer, Craig (Jill) Hendel, Buffalo, and their children, Jake & Kate; Carl (special friend, Nancy) Hendel, Wilmont, and Carl's children, Katherine & Nathan; John (Ann) Hendel, Cologne, and their children, Josh & Olivia; Laura Hendel, Carver, and her daughter, Bella; and Lisa (Brett) Tollakson, Andover, and their children, Ally & Whitney; brother, Dave (Jean) Hendel, Mankato; and Carl's former wife, Laura Hendel.
He was preceded in death by parents; grandson, Andy Hendel in 2012; and beloved siblings, Dale Hendel, Eve Lonneman, and Kathleen (Mickey) Berning.
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Wednesday at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont. a private burial will take place at a later date.
Dingmann Funeral Home, in Wilmont, is in charge of arrangements.