Donald Walter Beyer

Donald W. Beyer, age 93, of Wheaton, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Donald was born on September 16, 1933, in Wheaton, Minnesota, to Walter and Cora (Raguse) Beyer. He grew up on a farm in Taylor Township and attended country school in District 29 through the eighth grade. He then attended Morris Agricultural High School in Morris, Minnesota.

On January 11, 1956, Donald married Dalla Babst. Together, they were blessed with three children: Theresa, Kari, and Jason.

Donald enlisted in the United States Army in November 1954. Following his honorable discharge in November 1956, Donald and Dalla returned to Traverse County, where Donald farmed alongside his father, Walter, and later with his son, Jason. He continued farming until his retirement, although retirement never meant completely stepping away from the farm. He was still driving tractor and truck for Jason at the age of 90.

Donald served for many years on the board of Interstate Co-op in White Rock, South Dakota.

Donald was baptized on October 8, 1933, and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor Township, Minnesota. He served as treasurer at St. Paul Lutheran Church for twelve years. Following the merger of St. Paul Lutheran with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Monson Township, he continued serving as treasurer at Immanuel for another twenty-six years.

Donald always enjoyed taking the "scenic route home" so he could see what the neighbors were up to. He enjoyed golfing with friends, but his true passion was flying. He owned a Cessna 180 for many years and loved getting in the air whenever he wasn't busy farming. One of the highlights of his flying career came in 2012, when he won the opportunity to pilot a restored World War II P-51 Mustang over Lake Traverse. It was an experience he would never forget.

Donald is survived by his wife, Dalla Beyer of Wheaton; daughter, Theresa (Rod) Thiel of Dumont, Minnesota, and their children, Curt Thiel, Christa (Mitch) Findlay, and Chelsey (Gavin) Young; son, Jason Beyer of Wheaton, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Violet, and Ivy Young, and Aiden and Lydia Findlay; sisters, Lorraine Montoya and Elaine Davis; brother-in-law, Darrell Zimmerman; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Cora Beyer; his daughter, Kari Ann Beyer; his sister, Diana Zimmerman; and brothers-in-law, Art Montoya and Dennis Davis.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Monson Township with Rev. Anthony Ahrendt officiating.

Visitation will be held at the Bainbridge Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time at the church on Friday.

Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. Military Rites will be provided by the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80.