Donald Roberts, 1934-2019

Published 1:00 am Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Donald E. Roberts, 84, of Albert Lea passed away peacefully in his home Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, surrounded by his family.

Donald Roberts

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Kurt Farrell will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and one hour prior to the services at the church Wednesday. Interment will be at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery in Albert Lea. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations.

Donald was born Oct. 6, 1934, in Clarks Grove to Axel and Florence Roberts. Don served in the military and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Don spent most of his life as a carpenter and one of his proudest accomplishments was supervising the construction of the hospital in Albert Lea in 1974. He also built two of his family homes and his beloved cabin on Woman Lake.

Don and Karen were married June 19, 1957, at St. Theodore Catholic Church, and they loved and took care of each other for the next 40 years. He was a loving husband and father, and always made sure his children were well taken care of. Don also enjoyed raising German shepherds, watching Andy Griffith and fishing on the lake with his brother, Laverne.

Donald is survived by his daughters Renae Roberts, Rebecca Shoop (Rich) and Rhonda Cibert (Tim); six grandchildren, Tina Cibert, Melanie Cibert, Jake Cibert, Elle Roberts, Ralyn Shoop and Axel Shoop; eight great-grandchildren; and his beloved granddog, Sadie Mae. Don is also survived by sisters Rosie Simon and Mary Blake; and sisters-in-law Kathy Mandt and Carol Roberts.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, in 1997; his parents Axel and Florence; his sister, Harriet; and his brothers Dick, Milt and Laverne.

Don will be remembered by his loved ones for his sage advice and wisdom. He was also known by his entire family as the guy who could fix anything.

Blessed be his memory.