Donald James Sabin

Donald James Sabin, 88, of Lake Wilson, MN passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, December 11, 2015 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson.  Visitation will be from 10-11:30 am at the church on Friday.  Military Honors provided by the Lake Wilson American Legion Post #0285.  Burial will be at a later date.  

Donald James Sabin was born on February 27, 1927 to Robert and Edna (Ubersetzig) Sabin on the family farm near Lake Wilson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson.  At the age of 2, Donald’s parents divorced and he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Walt and Iola (Sabin) Nash on the family farm.  He attended country school, through 8^th grade, next to his home.  In 1950, Donald enlisted into the United States Army and completed his basic training at Ft. Polk in Louisiana.  After basic training, Donald went overseas to Germany during the Korean War and served his country as a Medic.  Donald was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned home to the family farm.

On June 22, 1958, Donald was united in marriage to Verna Swart at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson. After marriage, Donald adopted Verna’s son, Terry.   On November 13, 1964 the Sabin’s adopted Mari through the Lutheran Social Services.   They made their home on the Sabin farm where Donald farmed his entire life.  He also was an Archer Oil dealer for many years.   Donald was a 63-year member of the Lake Wilson American Legion and a past Lions Club member where he was president for two years during the time of the tornado.  Donald also helped make the stable kits and the ceramic nativity sets for the bible school. 

Donald enjoyed watching westerns and game shows on T.V., listening to polka music and fishing on Sunday afternoons, playing cards, and traveling over the years to Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, and Northern Minnesota.  He always looked forward to his Army reunions in Rochester and the farm party with Mari’s college friends, neighbors, and family. 

Donald passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton, MN. He is survived by his wife Verna of Lake Wilson; two children, Terry Lee of Tuscon, AZ, and Mari Dawn of Lake Wilson; one grandson, Eric Lee Sabin of West Fargo, ND; two great grandchildren, Cydney and Farrah Sabin; extended family, brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and LaVonne Swart and their five children, Greg, Gail (Debra Jones), Geraldine, Brad (Heidi), Chris (Shari) Swart; and good family friends, Scott (Val) Rugel and their children, Zoey, and Dylan.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edna, and aunt and uncle, Iola (Sabin) and Walt Nash; and his mother and father-in-law Evelyn and Weber Swart.

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