Donald Jay Laubach

A funeral service for Donald Laubach, 72, of Lakefield, will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Arnolds Park. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Family and friends are invited to share a meal at the church after the service. Afterwards a graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens in Spirit Lake.

Don Laubach was born on January 15, 1952, to the loving family of Alfred and Wilma (Mangels) Laubach. His early years consisted of wonderful memories of life on the family farm in Lakefield, MN which he fondly recalled often. Don graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 1980 and traveled to Florida for education in heavy machinery before returning to working on the family farm the rest of his life.

Don welcomed the birth of daughter Dawn and son Jonathan during a first marriage.

He was united with Mary Jo Riley in 1985 and was lovingly embraced by his extended family. Don and Mary Jo spent the next 40 years of life on the farm, enjoying trips together around the country and the world. They thoroughly enjoyed spending a night on the town.

Don also had a passion for trains that can be seen with his vintage train collection. His kindness extended to using his talents for helping others in their time of need. The phrase “Don will do it” became common for those who knew and loved him.

Don passed into eternal glory on October 24, 2024, where he would have preferred to pass, at home on his farm.

Left to cherish the memory of this giving and loving man are his wife Mary Jo Riley, daughters Cathy Thee (Jeff Thee), Kristi Riley (Mike Eggers) and Dawn Laubach, and his sons Tom Riley and Jonathan Laubach. Survivors also include his brother and sister-in-law Darrel and Judy Laubach and many grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he cherished, as well as dear friends John and Susan Untiedt and Jim and Bernita (Tootie) Andersen.

Don was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Wilma Laubach, brother, Kent Laubach, daughter Cara Riley and grandchildren Sam Steele and Megan Lynch.