John Donald Clasen, age 81, of Alexandria, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN.  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 28 ^th at St. John's Lutheran Church in Villard, MN, with Rev. Philip Beyersdorf officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home in Glenwood and will continue on Thursday at the church, one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Villard, MN.  Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Donald was born on April 26, 1934, to John and Charlotte (Cummins) Clasen, at Carlos, MN. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran, Carlos, and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran, Villard, which was his place of worship the rest of his life. Donald's Christian faith was paramount, and God blessed his life with many special people as he served in his church and community.

His elementary school years were at Villard School, and he graduated from the Morris Agricultural School. He was an active 4-H and Walther League member and pitched in many softball games. On February 9, 1955, Donald was united in marriage to Noreen Abraham, of Grove Lake. They were blessed with two children: Cheryl of Alexandria, and John of Starbuck. Donald was proud of his military service and for many years after his honorable discharge, he marched in Villard Memorial Day parades.

He dairy farmed in Hudson Township for 40 years but retired in 1996 due to health reasons. He served for many years on the township board and other local and regional boards. In retirement, he enjoyed garage sales where he earned his title of "Professional Junkologist." His hobby was woodworking, which he did not do for profit, but rather gave his wood art for others to enjoy. He loved to tell stories and relished a good joke. Faith, family and friends were the focus of his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Noreen, children Cheryl and John, sisters Marilyn (James) Rabehl, Baxter; JoAnne (Corky) Krogstad, Alexandria; and Elsie (Al) Husom, Pillager; nieces, nephews, grand niece and great grand niece, other members of the extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Jim, and nephew Kent.

Our savior, Jesus Christ, has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through his servant, Donald Clasen.