Donald Eugene Simpson

Donald Simpson, 86, of Rochester, a retired Mayo Clinic employee, died peacefully on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus, after a brief illness.

Donald Eugene Simpson was born on December 14, 1934, in Chatfield, Minnesota, to William and Alice (Hartley) Simpson. He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 and attended basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois. He went on to the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C., before he was transferred to the Naval Station in New Port, Rhode Island, where he completed his Naval career on December 7, 1955.

In July 1955, he married Marjorie Mead at the Chatfield Methodist Church. They made their home in Rochester, Minnesota. He worked in the business office at Rochester Methodist Hospital and retired after 38 years.

Don was an avid fisherman and bowler. He played the French horn in the U.S. Navy Band and the Chatfield Brass Band.

Don was a member of the Chatfield United Methodist Church, where he was an usher and a member of the choir.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marge; two sons, Tim (Lisa) Simpson of Chatfield, and Jeff (Cheryl) Simpson of Pine Island; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Megan) Simpson, Tyler Simpson, Sarah (Gary Welch) Simpson, Mary (Nathan) Shafer, Anne, Jamie, and Ross Simpson; four great-grandchildren, Henry, Charlie, and Adeline Simpson, and Gabriel Shafer; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Curt and Arlene (Mead) Fingerson.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. at the Chatfield United Methodist Church with Debra Jene-Collum officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 2:00 p.m. at the Preston State Veteran’s Cemetery.

Due to Covid-19, masks are required and there will not be a reception following the church service.

Don will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many, especially his family. Rest in peace, you will be in our hearts forever.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his care givers at St. Marys and Methodist Hospitals for the wonderful care Don received.

Memorials can be sent to Riley Funeral Home, 800 S. Main St. Chatfield, MN 55923.

Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com

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