Ret. Lt. Donald Herbert Pelkey, 83, of Kettle River, Minnesota, died at home with his wife, Eddie Jane, at his side on January 3, 2017. Donald chose to be at home where he could see the wonderful garden he created. Donald was born in Correctionville, Iowa, on August 18, 1933, to Virgil and Alice Pelkey. After the death of his mother, the family returned to Howick, Minnesota. His father remarried Helen Schreffler and three siblings were added to the family.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Mona, Kenneth, Richard, Millie; and his first wife, Ada.

Donald joined the Air Force after graduation from Paynesville High School. He received a medical discharge. Donald moved to Minneapolis where he attended the University of Minnesota. During his student years, he joined the Minneapolis Police Department. He served the people of Minneapolis for 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in the Fourth Precinct.  Donald had many interests. He loved flying and eventually purchased a Cessna 172 with several partners. He and his partners rehabilitated a Fairchild, a twin engine airplane referred to as a Bamboo Bomber. He subsequently built two Ultralight airplanes, which he donated to the EAA (experimental airplane association). He was an avid gardener, carpenter, certified welder and certified airplane and power plant mechanic. Don's assertion was that everyone should prepare for retirement by having a meaningful life filled with interests.  Donald was a devoted member of Moose Lake Covenant Church where he was involved in many roles, being a council member, treasurer for the Sonshine Closet, taught in the Alpha Program at C.I.P. prison in Willow River and was an avid church participant. His love of God was reflected in his devotion to others. He cherished the earth and was a wonderful shepherd of animals and plants.

Donald is survived by his wife, Eddie Jane, and six sons, one daughter and a special cousin. Sons, Jeffery Pelkey (Mary), Bruce Pelkey, Craig Pelkey (Kimberly) and Kirk Pelkey; two step-sons, Robert Rasmussen (Ammy), Randall Rasmussen (Patty); daughter, Liz Barra; and cousin, Irene Beinor. He had 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Donald is also survived by five special brothers in Christ, John, Mark, Randy, Charlie and Paul Olson, a retired Minneapolis Police Officer.

A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, January 21, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Celebration of Donald's Life in Evangelical Covenant Church, 700 5 ^th Street, Moose Lake. Military Honors and Luncheon will follow. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.


To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com .  Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.