Donavon Haertling

Donavon Haertling, 81 of Wyndmere, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at St. Catherine’s Living Center in Wahpeton, ND. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by his memorial service at 11:00 AM at Wyndmere Lutheran Church in Wyndmere, ND.  Pastor Diane Krumm will officiate the service.  Burial will be in Elk Creek Cemetery, Wyndmere.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Donavon “Don” Dean Haertling was born on April 21, 1938 in St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN to Marvin H. and Violet May (Nulph) Haertling. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Barney, ND.  Don’s education began in a one-room school in rural Danton Township, ND, and then attended Wyndmere High School. In his youth he was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, the church youth group and 4-H.

Don lived and farmed on the Haertling homestead his entire life. He also drove truck, where he was known by his family and friends as “Yogi”.  Don married the love of his life, Peggy Lou Hatlen on January 10, 1976.

After Don retired, he began to restore several antique tractors and cared for his draft horse, Sadi.  He was an active member of the Dakota Antique Tractor Club of Lidgerwood, ND, and loved attending their monthly meetings, tractor runs and visiting with his “antique tractor family”.  Don also volunteered at the Bagg Bonanza Farm in Mooreton, ND, where he demonstrated his blacksmithing skills for visitors.

Donavon will be forever missed by his wife, Peggy Lou; his children, Bonita (Robert) Smith, Hawardan, IA, Brenda (Merlin) Haugen, Bismarck, ND, Timothy (Doreen) Haertling, Wyndmere, ND, Theresa (Kerry) Kolle, Felton, MN and Tamera Eischens, Fergus Falls, MN; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his sister, Donna (James) Lekang, New Brighton, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, May and Marvin along with an infant brother.

Donavon "Don"'s Memorial Folder