Donald Sylvester Stiller died from natural causes May 12, 2024.
Don was born on the family farm near Swanville, Minnesota, March 13, 1933, to Martha and Sylvester Stiller. He was one of four siblings, including Emil, Lorraine and Irene. He graduated from Swanville High School and immediately joined the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes as a crewman on several bulk cargo ships transporting iron ore, coal and grain for seven years. Don served two years in the U.S. Army building air bases near London, England. It was also in the Army where Don became friends with Roger Notch, who ultimately introduced Don to Roger’s sister Eileen. Don and Eileen married at St. Francis Catholic Church Sept. 26, 1959. Together, they farmed and raised three children. In addition to farming, Don enjoyed several jobs including heavy equipment operator, factory worker, electric utility lineman, utility field engineer, township board member, truck driver and security guard.
Don was a long time member of the St. Francis Parish where he was active in the Albany Council Knights of Columbus men’s group, achieving third and fourth degrees and accepting a term as grand knight. Don also was a lector, Eucharistic minister and taught youth Catholic education at St. Francis Parish. In his retirement, Don appreciated the genuine friendship of Gene Treder, Neil’s father-in-law. Together, they were hunting and fishing companions and admirers of each other’s families.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Emil, and sister, Lorraine; sister-in-law Rita (Emil) Stiller, brothers-in-law John (Lorraine) Rosty and Joe (Irene) Deruytter; his son, Dan; and numerous other family members.
Don is survived by his wife Eileen; his daughter, Merrillee (Mark) Ourada; his daughter-in-law, Connie (Dan) Stiller; his son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Joan Stiller; his sister, Irene; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was especially proud of his five grandchildren whom he loved and enjoyed very much: Alyson and Lauren (of Dan and Connie) and Erica, Rene and Jaclyn (of Neil and Joan).
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and lunch following the Mass. Burial will be at the St. Francis Catholic Church cemetery after lunch.
The Family appreciates your generous and kind support. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Lourdes Catholic High School, Rochester, or the Poor Clare Monastery of Sauk Rapids.
