The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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August 29, 2012

J. Donald Sjoding

—   J. Donald Sjoding, 98, formerly of Mankato, MN, Lutsen, MN and Grand Marais, MN, died Sunday, August 26, 2012 in Golden Oaks Assisted Living in Hermantown, MN.

  Don was born in Newman Grove, NE on March 25, 1914 to Axel and Esther (Ostermann) Sjoding. He grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada and returned to Minnesota to complete his education.  He settled in Mankato, MN where he was an ear, nose and throat doctor for 32 years.

  Don and Alice honeymooned on East Bearskin Lake as a young couple, which began their love of the north shore region.  They shared their passion of the area with their children making many family trips north over the years; leaving a legacy of memories for years to come.  Following his retirement they moved to Lutsen and then Grand Marais, MN to be closer to their

passion.

  Don was a member Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato and sang in the choir, Lutsen Lutheran Church and then Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.  His civic activities included the Mankato Rotary Club, the Grand Marais Lions Club and the Mankato Curling Club.  He was active throughout his life walking, curling, downhill and  cross country skiing or anything outdoors.

  Don was a US Army Air Corps. Veteran of World War II, serving in the medical care unit in India and Burma.

  Don was grounded deeply in his faith as he read his bible daily and could quote a bible verse for about every situation life handed you.  He was a kind and gentle man with an amazing outlook on life, which was evident in his actions of faith.  

  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Alice in June of 2012; his brothers, Bert, Ted and Harold.

  Don is survived by his son, Carl (Pat) Sjoding of Duluth, MN; his daughters, Donna (Stan) Amidon of Minneapolis, MN and Carol (Scott) Custead of Johnstown, PA; nine grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter.

  Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.

  Visitation: 11 a.m. until the 12 noon funeral service Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 in Dougherty Funeral Home. Burial in Maple Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais, MN.

  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St, Duluth, MN. 727-3555

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