Donald "Don" Lambrecht

Donald “Don” W. Lambrecht, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Freeport, with his loving wife by his side and the comfort of a life well-lived, on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Don’s family invites all who knew him to a celebration of his life on Sunday, September 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Grey Eagle, followed by a private inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

Don was born on September 22, 1934, in Grey Eagle, Minnesota, to Edwin and Regina (Tank) Lambrecht, the oldest of two boys. He grew up on the family farm where he learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and the joys of the outdoors. Those years shaped his character, instilling the determination and resourcefulness that became hallmarks of his life.

After graduating from Grey Eagle High School, Don served with pride in the National Guard. His adventurous nature took him north to Greenland in 1964, where he worked as a painter on an Air Force base with friend and future brother-in-law Kenny Bergmann. He returned to Minnesota and worked at Industrial Lumber & Plywood in the Twin Cities, moving home to begin a 30-year career as a lineman with Stearns Electric in 1967.

That same year, Don married Ellen Bergmann and, along with their son, Craig, shared 14 years together until her passing in 1981. In 1982, he met and married Joan Howard Maw on Aug. 14, expanding his family to include stepchildren, Rick and Marilyn. Don and Joan designed and built their own home on Big Birch Lake, which became the center of their life together and a gathering place for family and friends. In 2022, he was overjoyed to be reunited with Bryan, a son he and Ellen had placed for adoption—a sentiment he shared with all who knew him well.

The outdoors was where Don felt most at home. He and Joan enjoyed many fishing and camping trips to the Boundary Waters, northern lakes in Canada, and the wilderness of Alaska, as well as deer, pheasant, grouse, turkey, moose, caribou, elk, and bear hunts. He found peace and purpose on the water, in the fields and woods, and loved sharing those moments and memories with others, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Don also stayed busy building fish houses and tackling repair projects of all kinds. He was the guy people turned to when something needed fixing.

Don’s legacy is one of character, generosity, and quiet strength. He lived with integrity, loved life fully, and cared deeply for those around him. Upon hearing of his passing, many of his nieces and nephews lovingly said he was like a second father to them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Regina; his late wife, Ellen; nephews, Ron Lambrecht, Wes Schiffler and Matt Haws; niece, Stacy (Schiffler) Meyer; and many more extended family members including uncles, aunts, cousins, and in-laws, and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joan Lambrecht of Freeport; brother, Carroll (Lorna) Lambrecht of Watertown; sons, Craig (Julie Berling) Lambrecht of Melrose and Bryan (Erin) Wieber of St. Cloud; step-children, Rick (Karen) Maw of White Bear Lake and Marilyn (John) LeFebvre of Rogers; nine grandchildren, Katie Lambrecht of Hopkins, Luke Lambrecht of Little Falls, Heather (Paul) Olson of Hastings, Meaghan (Thomas) Pollreis of La Crescent, Mike (Gabby) Maw of Lonsdale, Mitchell (Anna) Maw of Kingsport, Tennessee, Jake Post of Phoenix, Arizona, Carson Post of Rogers, Chevy Post of Rogers; six great-grandchildren, Ryder, Soren, Anders, Rory, Caroline, Reagan; many friends; and beloved German Shorthair, Chloe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charities of your choice, or that you take a friend or child fishing or hunting in his memory.

We will remember Don not for what he accomplished, but for how he lived: steady, humble, and always generous with his time. He truly was a keeper, and we will keep him in our hearts forever.