Robert "Bob" Donner

Robert E. Donner was born in Louriston Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota on November 16, 1924. He was the son of August and Margaret (Fritz) Donner. Robert was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Clara’s Catholic Church in Clara City. He attended St. Clara’s Parochial School through eighth grade. He graduated from Clara City High School in 1942. While in high school, he excelled in football, basketball, bowling, and baseball, with baseball being his passion. After high school, Bob was invited to try out for the Minneapolis Millers and played with them for a partial season. Bob continued his baseball career playing for the local town team for many years. After retiring his baseball uniform, he became a member of the SW MN Umpires Association and traveled throughout the state umpiring town team games. In February 2019, Bob was inducted in to the West Central Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bob lived in Clara City and worked in the family business, Donner’s Service Station. When his brother, Sonny, was called to serve his country during WWII, Bob stepped in and ran the Station. Upon Sonny’s return from active duty, Bob and youngest brother Joe joined him, dedicated to provide quality car service. Bob also ran the local bowling alley until it closed in the mid 1960’s.
On July 27, 1948, Robert was united to Gladys Ann Christenson at St. Clara’s Catholic Church in Clara City. The couple made their home in Clara City and were blessed with eight children, Mick, John, Joannie, Tony, Mary, Tom, Barb and Bill.
Bob loved his community and took great pride in doing a job well done. He served Clara City in other ways as well. He was a member of the fire department and was one of the driving forces to implement the Clara City Fireman’s Relief Association. Bob was a faithful member of St. Clara’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the local Civic and Commerce Association.
Bob loved everything outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing in his retirement, going to the lake and camping. What he loved most was spending time with his family. Bob converted an old school bus into a camper so he could take his family to the lake as much as possible. After retirement, he and Gladys Ann moved to Lake Andrew for the next generation to make memories there. Bob was a loving husband, a patient father, a gentle grandfather, and someone who taught by example.
Robert is survived by his children, Mick (Jaebee) Donner of Desert Hot Springs, CA, John (Ginnie) Donner of Clara City, Joannie (Lynn) Peterson of Nisswa, Tony (Cheri) Donner of Clara City, Mary (David) Wallentiny of Spring Lake Park, Tom (Lisa) Donner of Clara City, Barb (Jim) Schuft of Arlington, Bill (Deb) Donner of Howard, SD; grandchildren, Zach Donner, Ben (Crystal) Donner, Meghan (Ryan) Trader, Tara Karels, Eric (Tracy) Peterson, Jay (Lindsey) Donner, Paul (Josie) Donner, Nick (Laura Nei) Wallentiny, Mike (Katie Brennan) Wallentiny, Matt (Amber) Wallentiny, Kailee (fiancé, Justin Koenen) Donner, Amy (Alex) Sinclair, Tyler (Kelsey) Donner, Jenna Schuft, Cassie (Mason) Allinder, McKensi Donner, Bob Donner; 16 great grandchildren; brother, Jim (Shirley) Donner of Stillwater; brothers-in-law, Jim (Karen) Christenson of Willmar, Jack Christenson of Isle, Bernard Priebe of Albert Lea, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys Ann; great grandson, Jeremy Karels; and 10 siblings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are being designated to the Clara City Community Foundation in honor of the community that Bob valued.