Donald Eugene Dillemuth, 81, of Albert Lea, died Thursday, Feb. 28 at Thorne Crest Retirement Center in Albert Lea. He was born Nov. 9, 1926, to John and Albina (Steinbauer) Dillemuth in Faribault. He attended school in Faribault and Northfield. He entered the United States Army, and served in World War II and the Korean Conflict.

On April 17, 1950, he married Marlene Gordon of Owatonna.

In August of 1950, he became ill and was diagnosed with the first case of polio in Steele County. Throughout his life he had many health issues related to this diagnosis.

Don worked several different jobs during his life, but his true calling was carpentry and working with wood. He was involved with the VFW and served as Post Commander in 1973-74.

He was also past seam squirrel of the Military Order of Cooties. He spent many hours volunteering with the America Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, Arc and Special Olympics.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; Fran Frodl, Donna Arndt and one in infancy; one grandson Aaron Weseman; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marlene; and nine children: Julie (David) Weseman of West Bend, Wis., Jean (Larry) Klocek of Ellendale, Jolene (Frank Nolan) of Hartland, Joseph (Shirley Mann) of Akron, Ohio, James (Carole Twito) of Roseville, Jana Larson of Mankato, Jackie (David) Jeffrey of Ramsey, Jeff (Jacque) of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Janelle of Albert Lea; 19 grandchildren: Tracy (Tracy) and Nathan (Tracy) Weseman, Ann (Rodney) Hamilton and Scott Klocek, Jeremy, Jaime and

Cody Dillemuth, Nichole, Natalie and Noelle Dillemuth, Stephanie and Andrew Larson, David (Jenny), Michelle and Amy Jeffrey, and Simon, Olivia, Gabriel and Malia Dillemuth; six great-grandchildren: Aaron and Alyssa Weseman, Charlie and Tru Weseman and Michaela and Madilyn Hamilton; four brothers: Kenneth (Sally), Dick, Jack (Marilyn) and Paul (Betty); and one sister Patricia (Curt).

Don loved spending time with his family. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren where the greatest joys of his life. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. James Berning will officiate. Visitation will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Area veterans groups. Interment will be in St. Theodore Cemetery in the spring.