Obituary of Donald Pelofske

Donald Pelofske, 84, of Hermantown, MN, passed away in his sleep Thursday, December 30th, 2021. Don was born at the family farm in Wabasha County, MN, August, 30, 1937 to Fred and Elsie Pelofske. Don graduated from Cloquet H.S. in 1956. He joined the MN National Guard in December of his senior year and continued to serve for 27 years. Don managed the National Tea Grocery Store in Two Harbors until 1969, when he then purchased the Fredenberg Minno-ette. While living in Fredenberg he was active in serving on the Town Board, Zoning Board, Community Club, and as Fire Chief. Don enjoyed his many years as a Hermantown School bus driver running the Fredenberg route, retiring in 1996. From 1996 to 2003 Don was the Camp Ranger at Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch in Custer, S.D.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Donna Helland, in October of 1956, and recently celebrated their 65th Anniversary. Don loved trapping, hunting, fishing and a good practical joke. He never met a dog he didn’t like and always had a treat handy.

Don was preceded in death by his son Dale Pelofske; parents Fred and Elsie Pelofske; brothers and sisters, Fred Pelofske Jr., Ramona Goranson, Harold Pelofske, Elaine Olson.

Don will be sadly missed by his wife Donna Pelofske; sons and daughters, Dory (Duane) Valure, Dean (Laurie) Pelofske, Diane (Bob) Wennberg, David (Elizabeth) Pelofske; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Robert (Jean) Pelofske, Jean Hansen, Gerald (Chris) Pelofske.

Funeral Services will be held 11AM, Friday, January 14, 2022 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5779 Seville Road, Pike Lake with Rev. Bissonette presiding. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard. A coffee reception will follow the services from 1 - 4 PM at Fredenberg Community Center, 5104 Fish Lake Rd. A private family burial will be held in the spring at Noble Hill Cemetery in Fredenberg. Masks Required Please.