Donald G. Atkins

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Atkins, Donald Gordon age 81, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 21, 2014. Don was born to Neil and Pearl Atkins on May 12, 1932, at the family farmhouse in East Bethel, Minnesota. He shared a happy and vibrant childhood with his three siblings. At age 18 Don joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War. After four years of service he met the love of his life, Lilah Burquest, and they were married on June 11, 1955. Over the next several decades Don worked as an electrical technician. In his spare time Don enjoyed riding motorcycles and as a private pilot spent many hours flying. Together he and his wife had eight wonderful children, and later they proudly welcomed 26 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and the eighth is due in May. In 2003 Don and Lilah started spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona enjoying the tranquility and sunshine. Don lived by example and will always be remembered, for his love and dedication to family and friends, his compassion, his good humor, and above all his reverence to the Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents Neil and Pearl and brother Doug. He is survived by Lilah, his devoted wife of 58 years; his children, Bruce (Barb), Judy (Steve) Seviola, Jerry (Ruth), Bill (April), Tom (JoRae), Tim (Tammy), Jolene (Troy) Shook, and Michael (Laura); his sister Carol (Ed) Egan, brother Richard (Karen) and sister-in-laws Marlene Atkins and Rach Haase; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held for Don on February 15, 2014 at 11:00 am at Constance Free Church, 16150 Crosstown Blvd. NW, Andover, Minnesota.

Published on February 14, 2014