Walter Donnay died Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at his Watkins home surrounded by his family. He was 79.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins with Fr. Bob Harren officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday at the St. Anthony Parish Center in Watkins. Interment will be in the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.
Walter Joseph Donnay was born March 12, 1939, in rural Watkins to Henry and Susie (Mies) Donnay. He graduated from the Kimball High School in 1957. and was employed at Armours Meat Packing in South St. Paul. He also served in the Army Reserves. Sept. 5, 1964, Walter was united in marriage to Betty Bauer at St. Benedict Catholic Church in rural New Prague. They farmed at Watkins until the present time.
Walter was a life-long member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Watkins American Legion Post 453. His hobbies included playing cards, and he enjoyed socializing with family and friends. He always had a quick joke to tell.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Louise VanNurden, Lorraine Konz. Margie Hesse, Mildred Konz, and Mary Ann Nething; and brother Norbert Donnay.
He is survived by his wife Betty Donnay of Watkins; children and their spouses Walter B. (and Anna) Donnay of Andover, Patty (and Tom) Bury of St. Michael; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy Anderson of Tucson, Ariz.
Arrangements are with the Ertl Funeral Home of Watkins.