Carl Donald Hegseth, 89, of Kenyon, died Sunday, November 1, 2020, at The Family Residence in Northfield.
He was born on the family farm August 24, 1931, in Kenyon Township, Goodhue County, the son of Carl J. and Emma (Remold) Hegseth. Don graduated from Kenyon High School in 1949. He entered into the United States Air Force as a mechanic. Don served during the Korean Conflict in Libya, North Africa and was honorably discharged. He married Erma Maisel in January 1956. They moved to Tulsa, OK while Don attended Spartan Air School for airframe power plant and flight engineering. They returned to Minnesota and lived in Bloomington. Don worked for Northwest Airlines as a mechanic and eventually as a pilot and captain. In 1962, they returned home to Kenyon where they lived on the family farm. Don was very active in farming including beef, horses, sheep and everything agriculture. He was an active member of Gol Lutheran Church, the Kenyon Color Guard, VFW and the American Legion. Don had a team of horses that he drove the veterans in for the Horse and Cutter Parade and sleigh rides for the Historical Society for many years. He enjoyed attending air shows and auctions. Don was most proud of his family especially his grandchildren. Spending time with family was important and he looked forward to their annual family vacation to the cabin they took for over 20 years.
Don is survived by his children, Doug (Kathy) Hegseth of Lakeville, Kim (Mark) Bocklund of Vadnais Heights and Terry Hegseth of Shakopee; grandchildren, Kelsey and Justin Bocklund, Breanna and Austin Hegseth, Jenna (Edgar) Torres and Alex Hegseth; brother, Mark (Carol) Hegseth of Kenyon; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Erma Hegseth who died on November 3, 1998.
A private funeral service will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Kenyon with Pastor Julie Rogness officiating. Interment will be in the Gol Lutheran Cemetery in Kenyon with military honors provided by the Kenyon Color Guard. Memorials are preferred to the Kenyon American Legion, Kenyon VFW, Wounded Warrior Project or to POW – MIA. A celebration of Carl's life will be held at the family farm this Spring 2021.