Donald “Don” Pappenfus of Clear lake passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on July 27, 2024. A funeral service will be held at Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Becker, MN. The funeral is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday August 7th, with the visitation starting at 9:30am, service at 11am, and burial to follow. Please visit obituaries.nationalcremation.com/ for updated dates and times as they may change.

Don was born to John and Joyce Pappenfus on May 18, 1939 and was seven of eight children. After graduating from Becker High School in 1957, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for three years on the USS Grand Canyon and was honorably discharged in 1961. When he returned, he started working at Santiago Locker, then moved on to work at McDonalds Meats and bought his farm in 1964. He was a butcher for 20 years at McDonald’s Meats and then retired in 2002 after working an additional 20 years at the Sherburne County Highway Department. Donald married the love of his life, Diane, on August 7,1965. Don and Diane started their meat processing business at their home in 1975 and operated it until the end of the 2023 hunting season. He was famous for making his hot sticks and sausage. He enjoyed being on his farm where he raised beef cattle and hogs. In later years, he sold sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, and straw. Two of his favorite activities were sitting outside under his maple tree visiting with his loyal customers and taking his great grandkids and dog Towser for side by side rides to see the sweet corn and pumpkins. Most of all, Don cherished his family and loved spending time with them. 

Don is survived by his lovely wife, Diane; their children, Barbara (Ron) and Jeff (Marion); grandchildren, Cody (Ashley), Cadie (Devin), and Kallee; bonus grandchildren, Cassie (Alex), Tyler (Ali), Adam (Mary); great grandchildren, Payton, Cadley, River, Preslee, Caillen; beloved dog, Towser; brothers, Johnny (Ruth) and LeRoy (Virginia); sister, Marion; sister-in-law, Celestine; brother-in-law, Wendell. 

Special thanks to his granddaughter Cadie and St. Croix Hospice for the care they gave to him in his final days.