Donald Frederick Konken

Donald Frederick Konken, age 78, of Brownsdale, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Mark’s Living in Austin, Minnesota. Donald was born January 25, 1948, in Hayfield, Minnesota, to Frederick and Margaret (Schmidt) Konken. Donald graduated from Hayfield High School in 1966 and honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969, achieving the rank of Specialist 4. He worked various jobs over the years, including as a VCT Tech, elevator manager, ethanol plant operator, and retired from McNeilus in 2010. Donald was united in marriage to Leah Mahlman on June 10, 1973, in Owatonna. The couple relocated to Austin and ran an in-home daycare for 18 years. Throughout their life together, they shared the joy of hosting five exchange students, Irene from Spain, Miguel (Maureen, Stefano and Maia) from Argentina, Ahmet from Turkey, Alican from Turkey, and Trish (Kevin) from Wisconsin. Donald was deeply committed to his community, actively engaging with various organizations, including Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Mower County Historical Society, the Mower County Fair Board and 4-H, V.F.W. Post 1216, and American Legion Post 91, where he served on the honor guard. He was also a proud member of the Farm Bureau and a social butterfly, known for his friendly demeanor and dedication to helping others.

Survivors include his sister, Eleanore (Darrel) Gordon; brother-in-law, Terry (Trish Boeke) Mahlman; nieces, Bess Mahlman and Lisa (Dan) Landherr; and nephew, Paul (Amanda) Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Margaret Konken; wife, Leah in 2025; daughter, Elizabeth Rose at birth; daughter, Marianne Margaret at age 11; and sister, Betty (Nathan) Merten in 2022.

A funeral service for Donald will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brownsdale, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.