Donald Lee Vliem, age 68, of Glenwood, MN, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, November 5, 2015.  A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 12 ^th , at Villard United Methodist Church in Villard, with Pastor Victor Jones officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home in Glenwood and will continue at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Donald Lee Vliem, the son of Arthur & Ethel (Brink) Vliem, was born January 19, 1947, in Belgrade, MN.  He was raised on a farm near Westport and attended school in Villard through the 9th grade.  On February 9, 1966, he was drafted into the US Army and fought in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on February 3, 1968.

Upon his return from the army he was united into marriage to his high school sweetheart, Verla Laumeyer, at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.  They started their family in Brooklyn Park where they had 3 children.  While there he was employed by West Central Marble.  In the spring of 1982 their family relocated to Lowry where he was employed by Wasp.  In the fall of 1998, he and Verla divorced and Donald made his home in the Glenwood area, where he would live out his life.

Donald was an active member of the Eagles, VFW, and American Legion.  He was a man of many talents and enjoyed the simple things in life.  One of his greatest joys was giving back to others.  Whether it was with one of his delicious home cooked meals or desserts for family and friends or lending a hand outside.  He loved to put together puzzles, keep busy with yard work, and sharing his wealth of knowledge and sense of humor with others.  Keeping his vehicles meticulous both inside and out was one of his favorite pastimes.

Donald is survived by his 3 children, Shelly (Scott) Massmann of Villard, MN, Tina (Delton Wulkan) Vliem of Hector, MN, Dustin (Melissa) Vliem of Cosmos, MN; 8 grandchildren, Coty Massmann, Stephanie (Dominic) Baker, Ashley Wulkan, Kalley Wulkan, Madison Wulkan, Brooke Wulkan, Brody Vliem, and Riley Vliem; 1 great grandchild, Sutter Baker; 3 sisters, Myra (Richard) Foner, Nancy (Herman) Grussing, and Janice Hanson; 6 brothers, Dale (Barbara) Vliem, Ronald (Karen) Vliem, Robert (Paulette) Vliem, Norris (Kiara) Vliem, Gary (Donna) Vliem, and Arlan Vliem; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ethel Vliem.