"I just recently learned the very sad news that Don had passed in January. I met Don close to 20 years ago and have seen Don every spring since our original meeting when he stopped to chat while I was walking down Christianson Hill Rd. He was very kind to invite my young son and I to turkey hunt on his farm. He had a smile on his face when we met and greeted us with a smile every year since when we visited his farm. I very much enjoyed and will miss our annual conversations. May Don rest In peace and his family be comforted by many good memories. "
In loving memory of
Donald H. Laumb
February 17, 1943 - January 13, 2022
Donald Henry Laumb, 78 of Rushford, MN traveled to eternal life January 13, 2022.
Donald was born February 17, 1943, in Rushford, MN to George and Bernice (Thorud) Laumb.
He spent his life in the Rushford area, a graduate of Rushford H.S in 1960. Donald married Rose Ann Randall in the summer of 1968. They had two children, John and Jackie. Donald continued his education while working full time, earning his Bachelor of Science degree and Master's Degree in Industrial Arts Education at Winona State University, graduating in 1971. Donald and Rose Ann later divorced.
A lifelong learner himself, Don began his teaching career at Lincoln Jr. High in Lacrosse from 1968-1972, then moving to Preston to teach from 72-76. Lastly, joining the faculty of Rushford- Peterson Schools where he taught auto mechanics, building trades, drafting, wood shop and "life skills" to many. He guided many adult woodworking classes and served as Director of the River Valley Vocational Cooperative for several years. He was selected by Minneapolis' Dunwoody Industrial Institute to travel to Saudi Arabia to work for the Arab American Oil Co. (Aramco). He was tasked with setting up a training program to teach Saudis to maintain and operate Aramco vehicles in the field. He was a passionate and ambitious teacher who made learning fun. His hands-on teaching style sparked many students to follow their interests. His career spanned 36 years, retiring from teaching in 2004.
In addition to a teaching career, he also farmed all his life. He was an outstanding mechanic, who could fix anything at any time. His knowledge was endless. To say he was a jack-of-all trades would be an understatement. He was forever curious, seldom looked back, and always accepted lifes' challenges moving forward.
He enjoyed stock car racing, deer hunting season, family gatherings, grandchildren, and all people. He always took time to share a conversation. Dad was a kind, generous and patient man. We will miss you very much.
He is survived by his son, John (Andrea) Laumb and their children, Carson and Cole; daughter, Jackie (Cory) Baker and their children, Zachary and Brooklyn, all of Rushford; 9 siblings: James (Donna) Laumb of Clarksville, TN; Nancy Benson of Rushford; Michael (Rena) Laumb of Rushford; Richard (Jeannie) Laumb of South Dallas, TX; Deborah(Allen) Heiden of Rushford; Randy (Cindy) Laumb of Graham, WA; David Laumb (Lori Krage) of Rushford; Joyce (Bill) Miller of Rushford and Lori (James) Booth of Winona; sister-in-law, Barb Laumb of Rushford; and his partner, Lexie Boehmke and her children: Tanya Boehmke, Trisha Gaustad, and Tim Boehmke.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Beverly Porter, Phyllis Porter, Sonny Laumb, and Jerry Laumb; brothers-in-law: Lewie Benson, Walt Porter and James Porter; a niece, Telli Rae Sodansky; and two nephews: Joey and Jay Laumb.
A private service for the family is planned. There will be a public visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Rushford Lutheran Church. Everyone is asked to wear a mask for the safety of all.
Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tributes
" If you judge a man by the kind of daughter he raised, Donny Laumb was an exceptional man. His daughter Jackie is my daughter-in-law, and her devotion as a wife and mother is a greater tribute to Donny than anything I could write. I wish peace to all of Donny\'s kinfolks and friends."
"I have to many memories to pick one. Great man and mentor. You will surely be missed. "
"Bob and I are sorry for the familys loss, Heaven has gained another angle. Fly High ..... "
"Leave a memory...where do I start...first Donny, you were my teacher. You dealt with a girl who didn\'t really like power tools with patience, kindness, and skill. In the blink of an eye, thirty some years passed and I was your daughter in law and you still there teaching me, guiding me, and ready to talk about our mutual love of raising beef cattle. I have seen life throw you some curve balls to which you simply picked yourself up and continued on with steadfast determination. What I have always noticed is how you were ready to help anyone at any moment. These are attributes I surely hope live on in the lives your grandsons. "
"I will always have a special place in my heart Don. He was always very enjoyable to visit and work with. I know he?s looking around in heaven and thinking we could remodel this place! Thank you for your kindness and friendship! "
"I will remember always sitting around his kitchen table and laughing. Sometimes about old stories, just sometimes for no reason in particular. I especially remember him taking Randy and I on the tour of all the family homes. He had such an amazing memory. He not only showed us each place but had a personal story for each one. A true historian. I will miss you so much and as a fellow farm kid I will say that I will remember to close the gate."