Donald Ulven (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Donald Gene Ulven, son of the late Ray and Dorothy Ulven, was born on March 9, 1931, in Austin, MN, and departed this life on June 3, 2018, at his home in Buffalo, MO.
Donald was baptized and confirmed, and married at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church of Austin, MN. He graduated from Austin High School in 1949. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served his country as a machinist aboard the U.S.S. Southerland during the Korean War.
After his service, he was united in marriage to Marian June Heard on June 25, 1955, and to this union one son Robert was born. In his early years, Donald worked as a fireman for the Milwaukee Railroad where he later became an engineer. They moved to Buffalo, MO, in 1969 and he went to work for the Zenith Corp. until his retirement.
He was a current member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Bolivar, MO. Through the years he served as President, Vice President, Elder, Trustee, and Adult Sunday School Teacher. He loved working with the Laborers of Christ.
He was an avid outdoorsman, loved gardening, and feeding and watching the birds. He fought a courageous fight after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ray Jr. and Duane Ulven; one sister, Joan Adams; and one great-grandchild, Baby Ulven.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marian J. of the home; one son, Robert & wife Vickie Ulven; one grandson, Jason & wife Jennifer Ulven; one granddaughter, Kelli & husband Thomas Mathews; seven great-grandchildren, Braeden, Chloe, Ella, Lola, and Jude Mathews, and Owen and Warren Ulven; two sisters, Janice Gerbig of Staceyville, IA and Sherey & husband Derrel Kroneman of Austin, MN. He also leaves other family members and many friends who will all truly miss him. Donald will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
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