Donald William Wiese

Donald William Wiese, age 96, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of St. Louis Park, MN, peacefully joined his wife Victoria in heaven on January 5, 2025 at Crystal Brook Senior Living.

 Donald was born in Pipestone, MN, to William and Margaret (Carrigan) Wiese on October 27, 1928. His family moved to the Park Rapids area in 1945 with the purchase of a local resort, Scotty’s Cabins, on the Fishhook River. He graduated from Park Rapids High School with the class of 1947. After high school, Don worked at the Royal Theatre in Park Rapids. He joined the National Guard right after high school and in 1950, Don was activated into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and sent to Fort Rucker, Alabama. He received an honorable discharge in 1952. In the fall of 1955, Don enrolled in the Dunwoody Industrial Institute where he learned the electrician trade. On June 28, 1958, Donald was married to Victoria Leona Caven in Fairfax, MN. This union was blessed with three children: Beth, Brian, and Paul who were raised in St. Louis Park, MN. Don worked a 34-year career as an electrician with the Electrician Union Local #292 in Minneapolis. He retired in the early 1990’s and enjoyed as much time as possible at the family cabin on Lower Bottle Lake. He spent countless hours fishing and hunting. Don experienced the loss of his wife in 2007 and a year later sold his home in St. Louis Park and moved to Park Rapids where he had made his home since. 

Don was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Louis Park, and the Knights of Columbus. He loved the outdoors, especially when he could be out hunting and fishing with his family and friends. After retirement, he and Vicki enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. Above all, Don will be remembered for his loving devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

Don will be lovingly remembered by his three children: Beth Wiese of Burnsville, MN; Brian (Kari) Wiese of Park Rapids, MN; Paul (Lisa) Wiese of Lino Lakes, MN; two granddaughters Samantha Wiese and Erin Wiese; as well as nieces and nephew, other relatives, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Victoria; his parents and two sisters: Rosie and Dolores. 

A celebration of life will be held at Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Camp Ripley) in Little Falls, MN, at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN. 

Family would like to thank Crystal Brook Senior Living and CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CHI St. Joseph’s Health