Uhlenkamp
Donald John
June 12, 1937 – May 9, 2018

Donald John Uhlenkamp, 80, went to be with the Lord suddenly on May 9, 2018 in Minneapolis with family beside him. We have lost a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Godfather and friend. Donnie was born June 12, 1937 in St. Cloud, MN. He grew up on the family farm in Sauk Centre, MN, where he learned the value of hard work. Donnie was drafted into the Army in Oct 1960. He was a member of H/H Company 1st Battalion 10th Infantry at Fort Carson, CO. Sergeant Donald Uhlenkamp served 2 years of active duty in the Vietnam War. He received a Good Conduct Medal upon his honorable discharge. After years of serving his country, he managed the farm of Mary Lou Ferris in Osakis, MN. Don worked at 3M in Alexandria, MN from 1975 to retirement in 1999. Donnie married Marlene Scharff in Duluth, MN on June 9th, 1997 They adored one another and shared a beautiful love for over 20 years. He was a member of St. Boniface Church, St. Boniface Holy Name Society and American Legion Post 555 in Mpls. After retirement, Donnie enjoyed his time with Marlene at their home, taking trips, sharing a good love and life with family and friends. He loved the outdoors, snow or sun and usually having a great tan, golfing and sharing that love with his grandchildren, time at the Mille Lacs Lake cabin, boating and pulling kids skiing, helping out at the farm and making his yard beautiful. He also enjoyed the Twins, Budweiser memorabilia, watching golf, fast pitch softball, bowling, snowmobiling and was a big fan of sports and activities that both his children and grandchildren participated in and for years was proud to be a one-man pit crew for his son, Kevin, during his racing career. He loved to share the Christmas spirit as shown in his displays that lit up the neighborhood that so many complimented him on and enjoyed - even making TV and receiving a community award for Santa in his golf cart.

He exuded energy and his enthusiasm for life was infectious. Donnie was well respected, held high standards and was a great role model to many. The loss of this good, kind, loving, caring, giving, hardworking, smart, good natured, precious and amazing man we and many love and have enjoyed life with on this earth is heartbreaking. We are trying to find comfort that he is at peace with God and we will see him again.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Marlene of Mpls; children, Lori (David) Goodwin of Dayton and Kevin Uhlenkamp (Sara) of Osakis; stepchildren, Deborah (Michael) Banish of North Dakota and Patricia Gehl of Burnsville; six grandchildren, Matt (Charlotte) Goodwin, Christine Goodwin and “Buddy,” Vanessa Gehl, Brody Uhlenkamp, and Tyler and Anthony “Tony” Banish; great grandchildren, Sierra and Colton Goodwin; brothers and sisters, Cora (Julian) Wiener, Lyle (Marilyn) Uhlenkamp, Alice Wanderscheid, Vern (Irene) Uhlenkamp, Bob (Lois) Uhlenkamp and Pat (Joni) Uhlenkamp all of Sauk Centre, MN, Roger (Cindy) Uhlenkamp of Villard, MN.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Catherine (Laumeyer); brothers, David and Ernest; and sister-in-law Hazel Uhlenkamp.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at CHURCH OF ST. BONIFACE (629 2nd St. NE) with visitation one hour prior at church. Visitation 4-7 PM Monday, May 14, 2018 at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL (1918 University Ave NE). Interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

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