Donald Piechowski

Donald J. Piechowski, age 88, Browns Valley, MN, died Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the Ortonville Hospital in Ortonville, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 31, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley with Father Gregg Frankman officiating. Music will be provided by organist Carmen Hills.

Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Browns Valley. Military honors will be provided by the William Krensing American Legion Post 58 of Browns Valley. Pallbearers will be Don's nephews ~ Randy Piechowski, Ronald Piechowski, Jim Wirtz, Jerry Wirtz, Steve Piechowski, and Mike Heck.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Donald Jerome Piechowski was born May 8, 1931, to Peter and Johanna (Vergeldt) Piechowski in Folsom Township, Traverse County, MN. He attended rural school through the eighth grade and graduated from Morris Agricultural School in 1948. After finishing school, he worked with his dad on the family farm. On November 17, 1955, Don was drafted into the U.S. Navy. After being honorably discharged August 22, 1957, Don returned to the family farm and farmed with his dad.

On April 8, 1982, Don married Gwen Mollenhoff at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley. In addition to farming, Don worked as a clerk and later as postmaster from 1977 to 1992 at the U.S. Post Office in Browns Valley. He retired in 1992.

Don was a member of the William Krensing American Legion Post 58 in Browns Valley, and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed farming, raising cattle and visiting with people. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen of Browns Valley; two brothers, Peter Piechowski of Felton, MN, and Eugene (Beverly) Piechowski of Avon, MN; a sister, Lois (Norman) Wirtz of Hankinson, ND; step children, Michael (Diane) Mollenhoff of Moorhead, MN, Denise Roehl of Moorhead, Richard (Julie) Mollenhoff of Prior Lake, MN, Steve (Su) Mollenhoff of Missoula, MT, Jeffrey (Julie) Mollenhoff of Watertown, SD, and Brian (Sarah) Mollenhoff of Jordan, MN; nine step grandchildren; and three step great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marietta Heck.