August Donner

August Anton Donner was born June 1, 1914 in Louriston Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the son of August and Margaret (Fritz) Donner. He passed away Sunday evening July 21, 2013 at the Chippewa County- Montevideo Hospital. Sonny attained the age of 99 years old. Sonny attended the St. Clara Parochial School through 8th grade and went on to graduate from Clara City High School with the class of 1932. After graduation Sonny worked with John Dieken in the automobile service station business. In 1937 he opened Donner Service Station. In 1942 he entered the United States Army and served in World War 11. He was honorably discharged in 1945. While Sonny was serving his country, his brother Bob and friend John Kray, ran the business for him until he returned. After returning home, he immediately began working alongside his brother as the two began the first generation of Donner brothers in providing quality car service in the community of Clara City. On paper only? Sonny retired in the mid1970?s but still never missed a day of work. Finally in 2004, after 67 years of continual work and dedication to his business, at the age of 90, he decided to retire for good so that he could have more time to pursue his favorite hobby, fishing. On his 99th birthday, Sonny celebrated his birthday with a successful day of family fishing in his beloved boat. Sonny was a lifelong member of St. Clara Catholic Church. He also served the community as a member of the Clara City Fire Department for 20 years. He is survived by his brothers: Bob Donner of New London; Jim (Shirley) Donner of Stillwater; and several nieces and nephews. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Marie, Irene, Eva, Bud, Dorothy, Margie, Kathleen, Joe, and Eugene in infancy.