Donald E. Vaith

Donald Eugene Vaith, age 89 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday morning, July 8, 2020. Don was born on June 13, 1931, in Owatonna to Joseph and Bernadine “Bunny”(Lynard) Vaith. He was raised by his mother and grandparents, Chris and Mayme Lynard on a farm in Summit Township. Don graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1950. He excelled in football where he was a captain and four-year letter winner on four conference championship teams. On January 17, 1953, Don married Geraldine Underwood at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie. On February 10, 1953, he entered the Army and was stationed in Germany. After returning home from the service, Don farmed for 20 years. He was active in NFO (National Farmers Organization) and served as vice president for Steele County. Don and Geraldine moved into Blooming Prairie in 1969 and he worked at Hormel Foods in Austin. While in Blooming Prairie, Don served St. Columbanus as a member of the church council and was active as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the cemetery board. Faith and Family were Don’s Hallmarks. He was always that supportive person in the audience, in the stands or on the sidelines at his childrens’ activities. Later he became a fixture at his grandchildrens’ events. His smile and support were endless. His many interests along with spending time with Geraldine were watching the Vikings and Twins and defeating his children and grandchildren in Fantasy Football. He always enjoyed a card game and dominos with his family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Bunny Vaith; and by his infant daughter, Sherry. Don’s warm embraces will be missed by his wife of 67 years, Geraldine; seven children, Jim (Julie), Mason City, IA, Paul (Jill),Hastings, Steve (Lisa), Blooming Prairie, Ruth (Scott) Stangeland, Minnetonka, Tom (Julie), Stillwater, Doug (Jody), Lake City and Sandy, Hastings; 22 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Joan) of Owatonna and Ronald of Lakeville; as well as many other family members and friends. Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with Father David Hennen officiating. To view the Mass live on Facebook, visit the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel Facebook page at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 14. To view the Mass after the Funeral, visit hastingsmnfuneral.com and go to Don's obituary. Cards and condolences can be sent to Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, Don Vaith Family, PO Box 275, Hastings, MN 55033. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.