Donald ‘Don’ Deane Wartner
March 20, 1937-Feb. 25, 2026
MCALLEN, TX–Donald ‘Don’ Deane Wartner was born on March 20, 1937 to John and Rachel (Garritson) Wartner in Lake Benton, Minnesota. While growing up, Don attended school at Lake Benton School. On May 12, 1956, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Yvonne Bakker in Tyler, Minnesota. The couple lived in several cities throughout the state including Lake Benton, Tyler, Dundee, Starbuck, Glenwood, Clara City, and Morris. Together they wintered for over 30 years in Alamo, Texas. Don was an avid member of a card club while he was in Texas and deeply enjoyed entertaining family and guests when they came to visit. Don passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026 at the South Texas Heart Hospital in McAllen, Texas, at the age of 88 years, 11 months and five days.
Don was a true jack of all trades – he was a dairy, livestock and crop farmer, a construction worker, tree trimmer, mechanic and a trickster. He was always willing to help anyone with a project around their home or yard. Spending countless hours working on motors of all kinds – tractors, cars, trucks, lawn mowers, no job was too big. But above all, Don was a family man. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was extremely proud of his family. When Don wasn’t working, he could be found enjoying music and dancing. He loved a good rummage sale and flea market – was always on the lookout for the best deal! Picking raspberries and digging for potatoes were also a favorite pastime. Don will be missed for his outgoing personality and his favorite prank of shaking hands with people and waiting for them to realize he is missing his pinky finger. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
Don is lovingly remembered by his children, Mike (Charlotte) Wartner of Hancock, Minnesota, Doug (Sharon) Wartner of Morris, Minnesota, and Jackie Wandersee of Clara City, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren, Austin, Jennie, Pennie, Krisie, Shannon, Jesse, Becky, Dean, Mariah, Katelyn, Skylar, Kinslee, and Nora; 25 great-grandchildren, Peyton, Avery, Emma, Olivia, Easton, Grant, Eldon, Kadin, Kendal, Karter, Josiah, Jacob, Justin, Lily, Parker, Ada, Dominic, Eliot, Maiya, Miguel, Jaxen, Eliana, Delva Joy, Emery, and Camille; and many nieces, nephews and great friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Wartner; grandson, Josiah; and his parents, John and Rachel Wartner.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 13, 2026 starting at 11:00 AM at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota with an hour visitation held prior to the start of the service. Inurnment will follow the service at St. Genevieve Catholic Cemetery in Lake Benton, Minnesota.