Donald Burdette Friese

Donald Friese, age 92, of Marshall, Minnesota, died under the care of hospice on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall, Minnesota. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at Victory Christian Church in Balaton, Minnesota. Following interment in Lakeside Cemetery, a luncheon will be held back at the church. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to his celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, at the church.

Donald Burdette Friese was born on October 2, 1933, in Parker, South Dakota. He was the son of Arie and Florence (Kasten) Friese. Don grew up on the family farm West of Balaton, Minnesota, and attended the Burchard country school through the 8th grade. He went on to graduate from Balaton High School in 1951 and then continued his education at South Dakota State University where he studied dairy agriculture.

On October 24, 1959, Don was united in marriage to Shirley McConnell at Wesley United Methodist Church in Marshall, Minnesota. The couple made their home on their Lyon County farm for the next 60 years. Don demonstrated his incredible work ethic over 30 years as a dairy farmer and then he made and sold hay to other area farmers. Don enjoyed his work, never took vacations, and hardly ever stopped due to illness. He was proud to make many friends during his sales and enjoyed the interactions with his neighbors. Don often said he was thankful to be so blessed, told others how grateful he was for his wife, and was described as being a loyal, faithful, and dedicated family man.

Donald Friese died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Marshall, Minnesota. He reached the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 2 days. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley Friese of Marshall; 3 children, Jeanette (and Edward) Gilles of Sebring, FL, Greg Friese (and Christy Hein) of Ward, SD, Kendall (and Tina) Friese of Forest Lake; 5 grandchildren, Bryan Gilles of Anoka, Brenda (and Tyler) Nielsen of Lonsdale, Joel (and Monica) Friese of Plymouth, Tianna (and Layton) Larson of Dayton, Michael (and Leah) Friese of Sioux Falls, SD; 8 great-grandchildren, Logan, Theo, Lux, Lincoln, Elsa, a few more and a baby girl on the way; 3 siblings, Charles "Chuck" (and Joan) Friese of Slayton, Curt (and Cheryl) Friese of Rock Lake, Yvonne Thompson of Willmar; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Arie and Florence Friese; sister, Zelda (and John) Bergstalter; and a brother-in-law, Donald Thompson.