Donald Shappell

Donald Richard Shappell was born February 15, 1932, the son of Thomas Van and Ida Mae (Helgerson) Shappell in St. Paul, Minnesota. Don was raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and upon graduation joined the United States Air Force serving in the Korean War. He would marry the former Deloris Mae Wessel on August 21, 1954. Don had worked for Huot Manufacturing in St. Paul for 38 years. Don had many loves – his grandchildren and great grandchildren, the Old Country Buffet, the Vikings (especially when they won), camping, traveling, dancing, going to the casino and chocolate. He thought he was a big shot when he got to pilot a small party cruiser down the Willamette River in Oregon and tried to teach Roger how to drive but that resulted in the car in a snowbank. He often reminded people that he was still good looking and was always grooming the hair that he lacked. Don's yard was always in mint condition. He always arrived at least 30 minutes early and left before dark, but believed that the party never started until he arrived.
Don passed away peacefully on October 20, 2012 with his wife Deloris at his side. He taught his family and friends how to enjoy life and how to have strength and courage during difficult times. He will always be in our hearts and memories.
Preceded in death by daughters Tammi & Kimberly, 6 sisters Carol Gibson, Nellie Kutzy, Sandra Byrne, Evelyn Lang, Nancy Jestus and Dorothy Shappell & 3 brothers Ken, Peter and Thomas Shappell. Survived by wife Deloris; children Linda (Rick) Lindquist, Bonnie (Dale) Erickson; step-sons Roger & Randy Egge; 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren, brother, Bill (Sue) Shappell; many nieces & nephews.