Donald Earl Owen

Donald Earl Owen died peacefully at American Lutheran Homes in Menomonie, Wisconsin on November 6, 2020.
He was born on the family farm in Owen Valley, Canton Township of Buffalo County, Wisconsin to Earl and Idell (Gifford) Owen. His grade school years were spent just down the road at the North Branch School. Later, he attended Nelson High School, graduating in 1946. Following High School, Don attended college in River Falls, WI. He returned to the family farm to begin a future in agriculture and marry the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Patsy.
Don was an innovative businessman, always searching for the newest technologies in the farming industry. He was one of the earliest to install a milking parlor in Buffalo County. Through the years, he continued to expand the family operation until the time of his retirement.
Don and Patsy enjoyed traveling throughout the country and provided their young family with marvelous journeys throughout the US and Canada. In retirement, their time was spent in Florida during the cold months and Northern Wisconsin during the summer. They enjoyed making new friends, cruising the lake in his boat, dining out and church activities.
After Patsy’s death, Don purchased a home in Boyceville, WI and continued his love of driving in the countryside and visiting friends that he held dear. Wherever he went, Don was quick to be a volunteer for church activities and remained a devoted Christian.
He was preceded, in death, by his parents (Earl and Idell) and his loving wife, Patricia (King) Owen.  Survivors include his sister; Lois (Owen) Ward, daughter; LouAnn Ruff (Dwight), sons; Thomas Owen (Merilyn), Daniel Owen (Faye), Burr Owen (Elizabeth), Jack Owen (Kelly), grandchildren; Nathan Ruff, Amanda Ruff, Jacob Ruff, and Hannah (Ruff) Haakinson, Elizabeth (Owen) Gottfredsen, James Owen, Rebecca (Owen) Brunner, Lewis Owen, Maggie Owen, Philip Owen, Casey Owen, great grandchildren; Ethan Ruff, Ava, Iris, and Ellie Rothbarth, Everly Ruff, Henry Haakinson, Emerald Gottfredsen, Collin Brunner, Amelia Brunner, Eli Owen, Onnika Owen, sister-in-laws; Margaret Groshek and Kathleen King.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.