Donald Lee Moat

Donald Moat, age 95, of Cottonwood and formerly of Marshall, Minnesota, died surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Prairie Home – Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Cottonwood. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2022, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a reception for attendees, interment will be in the Russell Cemetery in Russell, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue, at the church on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service at 11:00 a.m.

Donald Lee Moat was born on December 10, 1927, in Balaton, Minnesota. He was the son of Gordon and Gladys (Garton) Moat. He grew up in Balaton and attended school there while helping on the family farm prior to his graduation from the Balaton High School. Don then worked in the Twin Cities area for a short while before returning to Balaton where he met Ella Burt at the roller rink in Lynd, Minnesota.

On September 24, 1948, Don and Ella were united in marriage at the Presbyterian Church in Russell, Minnesota. They began farming outside of Russell and after a few years he then began to work for the Minnesota Highway Department where he spent over 19 years in various roles, but primarily worked as a mechanic. Don would go on to spend many more years distributing the Star Tribune Sunday newspaper to the carriers around the region.

Don was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed by those who knew him. His passion for farming extended far beyond his first career, as he never lost touch with the industry, the land, the tractors, and the people. Don naturally enjoyed visiting with people. When he wasn't working, Don could be found creating lawn ornaments, playing cards, or adding to his toy tractor collection.

Donald Moat died peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2022, in Cottonwood, Minnesota, just one day after his 95th birthday. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ella Moat of Cottonwood; 3 children, Keith (and Margaret) Moat of Marshall, Jan Swanson of Marshall, Kent Moat of Carpentersville, IL; 6 grandchildren, Scott (and Jan) Moat of Marshall, Tanya Moat of Marshall, Shari (and Jeff) Pumper of Owatonna, Jon (and Wendy) Swanson of Lynd, Caitlin (and Andrew) O'Keefe, Collin Moat (and Stephanie Rowitz) of Los Angeles; 9 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Gladys Moat; siblings, Clara Marie Jorgensen, Wesley Moat, Lester Moat; and son-in-law, Stephen Swanson.