Donald Gust Mueske, 73,
Our Dear Dad, Donald Gust Mueske, passed away on May 9, 2019, at the age of 73 years old. Donald battled stage IV prostate cancer since April of 2017. He was surrounded by his beloved dog Shamee Marie and family in his home. The Mayo Hospice team provided loving support.
Donald was born on May 6, 1946, in Milwaukee, WI, to June Rose Mueske and Bennie Mueske. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School. Donald married Darlene M. (Struck) Mueske on September 12, 1967, in Minot, North Dakota and became a devoted father after adopting Darlene’s five children. Don and Darlene were then additionally blessed with the birth of their sixth child. Donald (along with his wife) owned and operated restaurant businesses Tarsilla’s Family Dining (Stewartville), D & D’s Family Dining (Plainview), and Club 52 (Preston). In addition, they owned real estate property in Stewartville and Wabasha.
Like Darlene, Donald enjoyed his beloved dog Shamee Marie, life, the beauty of their land, bird watching, wood working, camping, auctions, casino’s, and loved to make his homemade recipes for loved ones. Don was also a volunteer fireman for Stewartville Fire Department for 20 years. Above all, he enjoyed being around family and friends. Don immensely enjoyed their community, friends of Plainview Church of Christ, and their winter home in Mission, Texas, the Lamplighter Community. Don and Darlene shared their joy of cooking their home made recipes to everyone they touched.
He is survived by his six children, Sharon (James) Koch, Deitra (Don) Pickett, Loretta (Larry) Mueller, Bobbi (Kevin) Bell, Michael (Cristy) Mueske, and Dawn (Jay) Miller, Sister Sandra Kirgis; brothers Wayne (Eileen) Mueske, Stanley (Leah) Mueske, Bennie (Margaret) Mueske, Russell (Cheri) Mueske, Keith (Debs) Mueske, and sister-in-law, Becky Mueske. He has 18 grandchildren and 23 (and soon to be 24) great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Darlene Mueske; mother June Rose Mueske; father Bennie Mueske, and brother Bob Mueske.
A celebration of Don and Darlene’s life was held Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Plainview Church of Christ, 205 1st Ave. NE, Plainview. The visitation was combined with his wife’s visitation on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Bob Blanshan and Pastor Chuck Coggins officiated.
The family of Donald would like to personally thank Dr. Sarah Crane, Internal Medicine, the Oncology and Cardiac Departments, Methodist and St. Mary’s Hospital, East Tower, 4th floor nursing staff, for their tender loving care. Last but not least a big thank you to the Mayo Hospice team for their love, guidance, extreme compassion and support through this journey.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home was honored to be serving the Mueske family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
