Donald Delsing

DELSING

Donald Albert

Age 79 of Lilydale, formerly of Oakdale, MN

Donald Delsing, a Vietnam veteran and longtime resident of Oakdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 27th, 2025.

Don was born in St. Paul, MN, and grew up in West St. Paul. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, West St. Paul, and graduated from Hill High School (now Hill-Murray High School). Don was drafted into the United States Army and rose to the rank of Sergeant, as he served honorably with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was a decorated veteran, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star in combat. He met the love of his life, Maureen Murray, when at Hill High School, and on his return from Vietnam, he was proud to marry Maureen and welcome their two sons, Derek and Jack. 

He was a patient, kind, and generous man who loved being around people. Family and friends were most important to him and cherished any time he could spend with them. He loved sports, golfing, playing cards, listening to music, and dancing with his wife Maureen. He was active in Hill-Murray alumni events and enjoyed going to 1st Cavalry reunions with his brothers in arms. He volunteered locally with the 1st Cavalry Division Walter H. Westman Northland Chapter in support of his Army brothers. He was a long-time employee of H. Brooks and Company.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Maureen; his parents, Donald Sr. and Evelyn; sister Maureen; brother James; sister-in-law Jacquelyn Gavin. He is survived by his sons Derek (Andrea) and Jack (Rebecca); grandchildren Megan, Quinn, Anna, and Maria; brother John; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Candyce and Tom Ihnot; brother-in-law, Raymond Gavin; and many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4th, at O’Halloran & Murphy, 8700 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM (with visitation one hour prior) on Wednesday, February 5th, at the Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St. W, St. Paul, MN 55102. Luncheon to follow Mass, Joseph’s Grill, 140 Wabasha Street, St. Paul, MN 55107. Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery to follow the luncheon at 1:30 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Heart Association.