Donald Jerome Ewing, Sr., age 81, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center in Tracy. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024 at United Methodist Church in Balaton. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 13 at the church with a prayer service at 6:30 and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Balaton at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donald Jerome Ewing, Sr. was born August 8, 1943 in Detroit, MI to Charles and Norma (Ouverson) Ewing. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He spent his young years in Arcadia, KS, and attended schools in Canby and Marshall, MN. Don enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Great Falls, MT when he met his future wife at a dance hall in 1963. He married Bonnie Smith and they shared 61 happy years together. In 1971, the couple moved to Balaton, MN where he served 23 years as Chief of Police. At that same time, he was an officer in Marshall and Tracy. Don was also a member of the Balaton Fire Department. After retirement, Don drove truck and used his carpentry skills to build items for his grand and great-grandchildren. He loved to tinker and created things for the community that will be cherished by many. Don loved to feed the birds and squirrels and was a big animal lover, especially dogs and cats. He liked his grass mowed and enjoyed playing Bingo.
Donald is survived by his wife Bonnie of Balaton; daughters: Joyce (boyfriend Jay-Tee) Cota of Tempe, AZ & Tammy Johnson of Balaton; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren & one on the way; sister Lucy Moren; brother-in-law Richard Evans; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Donald, Jr., and sisters Darlene Muhl, Karen Evans & Ruth Ludwig.