Donald Truman Lysen was born November 30, 1922, to Victor and Bertina (Aslakson) Lysen in Langhei Township of Pope County, Minnesota. He attended country school through the eighth grade in District #65. His mother passed away when he was three years and three days old. He was baptized on December 31, 1922 and confirmed on May 16, 1937 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Benson. On March 14, 1944, Donald was united in marriage to Gladys Gunderson by Pastor Dickson at Pilgrim Congregational Church. One year later, Donald transferred membership to Pilgrim Congregational Church. They were blessed with three sons: Eugene, Jerome, and Steven. Donald lived and farmed in Langhei Township all his life. He enjoyed farming, raising cattle, doing field work and watching the seeds come up. He enjoyed music and loved to listen to hymns; he also enjoyed playing cards and fishing. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Donald served on several church boards and was head usher for many years. He was on the search committee when Rev. Jack Brooks was called. Donald was called from this life on Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria. He attained the age of 88 years, 1 month and 28 days. Donald is survived by his wife Gladys of Benson; Eugene (LeAnn) Lysen of Benson, Jerome (Linda) Lysen of Benson and Steven Lysen of Appleton; five grandchildren: Kristi Lysen, Andrea (Peter) Etterman; Karla (Shawn) Petermann, Leah (Jeremy) Pfeifer, and John (Becky) Lysen; great grandchildren: Alexander and Natalie Woolwine, Samuel and Grace Etterman, Kaitlynn and Ella Lysen and Caden Pfeifer; one sister, Marian Thompson of Carmichael, CA; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents Victor and Bertina Lysen; stepmother, Emma Jaeger-Lysen; one brother Kermit Lysen, and two sisters: Evelyn Hoffman and Beverly Erickson.
