Donaldson, Keith I. died peacefully with family in attendance November 30, 2022, at his home in Wayzata, MN. Born March 29, 1944, in Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Evelyn (Ayres) Donaldson. He is survived by his long-term partner Gabrielle (Belanger) Rohde; his son Ross (Chessa) grandchildren Adelina and Ellis, son Jon (Rebecca Koshnick) grandchildren Boden and Mazarine, and their mother Linda (Stang) Donaldson; daughter Tamera (Johnny) Treasaigh grandchildren Sakura, Katana, Miyoko, Kameko, and Kohana; Gabrielle's son Justin Rohde (Nancy) grandchildren Lillian and Audrey; and his brothers Douglas (Kate), Robert (Judy) and sister Ann, many nieces and nephews, and dear cousins Jean Freytag and Jim (Gretchen) Mair. Keith played varsity hockey and football at The Blake Schools, before going on to graduate from the University of Minnesota. After college, he began his career in the trust department of Norwest Bank, before moving on to become the Director of Planning for the fledging Target division of then Dayton-Hudson Co. After additional jobs in finance, he followed his desire to run his own business by buying majority interest and becoming President of Rohde Royce Inc. Under his leadership, the company designed and manufactured the first line of women's apparel in the promotional products industry, prior to which women were forced to wear garments sized for men. Keith was a very involved father, coaching his sons' hockey teams for many years. He also taught them and many of their friends how to fell a tree, chop wood, drive a tractor, clear a yard, and ensure that no stray stick or leaf was left on his freshly mowed lawn. An avid hunter, fisher, and woodsman, he spent much of his life outdoors and went on his last deer hunting trip only a week before his death. He held his friends close and his family closer; he will be profoundly missed. Keith wanted us to celebrate his life with those he held dear. To that end, we will gather at The Minikahda Club on Sunday, Dec 18th at 4 pm. Donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited.

Published on December 11, 2022