Donavun Van Driel, (90), of Mora, Minnesota, passed away at the Scandia House in Mora on February 2nd, 2023. He was 90 years old.

Donavun, known as Don, was born to Edward and Kate Van Driel on November 14, 1932, in Ogilvie, Minnesota. He was the youngest of 4 children and grew up on a small farm where he learned the value of hard work. Before his time at Ogilvie Senior High School, he attended a one room school in the countryside, affectionately known as the Iowa Schoolhouse.

Don spent his spare time working on the family farm and was also a standout athlete in both baseball and basketball. He met his future wife, Elaine Peterson, a student of Mora High School while attending high school. Upon completion of his schooling, Don worked for the Ogilvie Coop as he waited to get drafted into the Army. After he was drafted, Don served in the Army at home and abroad where he was a member of an Army baseball team.

After the Army, Don returned home to marry Elaine Peterson and began working at Land O' Lakes as a store delivery truck driver and ultimately became a supervisor in the manufacturing operation. He also served as the custodian for Grace Lutheran Church during this time, where he took great pride in giving his time to the church. In 1991, after 38 years at Land O' Lakes, the ice cream plant closed. Don became a blackjack dealer at Grand Casino, Hinkley, Minnesota, while he went to school in upholstery. After completion of this schooling, he started Don's Cover-Up, building a strong small upholstery business that secured contracts with Grand Casino. He retired in 1995 and traveled to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States.

Don was a hard worker who was dedicated to his church and his family. He was always there to lend a hand, regardless of the circumstance. Don's work with the church, as a custodian, council member, property committee member and lefse maker displayed his dedication to both the church and his faith.  Don also loved to spend time with his children playing sports, hunting, fishing, watching games and of course, playing cribbage. He took great joy in seeing his children perform, and never missed a performance, event or game. The same is true for Don's grandchildren, taking them on adventures, baiting hooks on the dock and attending their events.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Kate Van Driel, his brother Art Van Driel, and by his sisters Edna Mork and Wilma Love.

He is survived by his wife Elaine and their three children, Cindy (Kevin) Stay of Foley, MN, Connie (Dave) Nordquist of Lino Lakes, MN and Mark (Cris) Van Driel of Victoria, and his 4 grandchildren, Maya, Emily, Ben and Andrew. Don is also survived by his sister-in-law Rosie Van Driel, and nieces and nephews.