DONALD JACKSON

Donald “Don” Jackson was born on April 28, 1938 to the late Basil Tappan and Evelyn (Blomgren) Jackson of the Pipestone area. Don accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1955 and was baptized in 1963 in Windom, MN.

Don completed grade school, attending several country schools in the Pipestone area. He attended Lake Benton High School for grades 9-11, then attended Flandreau High School in Flandreau, graduating in the class of 1956.

On June 22, 1963, Don was united in marriage to Loretta Ann Hicks at the First Baptist Church in White. This union was blessed with three children, Michael, Lori and Lance. Don worked for 41 years in the natural gas industry as an operations technician and retired in 2003. He came out of retirement to provide contract work, spotting gas lines ahead of the installation of the City of Windom telecommunications system.

Don was a longtime, dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Windom where he was Sunday School treasurer and served as an usher for many years. Don was an active member in the Windom Fire Department, serving as a fireman for 22 years, assistant fire chief for several years and fire chief for four years. He was also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for many years. Don was a recipient of the Mayor’s Medal of Honor for City Service in 2004. Don was deeply passionate about the Windom Baseball Association, serving 40+ years. He was an active board member and served as president of the association.

Don will be remembered for always helping others with the generosity of his time, his patience, never a complaint, and always having a big smile. His grandchildren will forever remember his dedication and support provided at every event.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Loretta Jackson of Windom; three children, Michael Jackson of Windom, Lori (Larry) Diedrich of Brookings and Lance (Chris) Jackson of Windom; six grandchildren, Taylor (Emily), Stephanie (Aaron), Tanner, Ashley, Emily and Halle; two great-grandchildren, Kinley and Kamiela; three siblings, Mary Ann Voight of Avon, Roger Jackson of Salem, SC, and Joyce Otkin of Fulda, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Evelyn Jackson; brother-in-law, Stan Voight; brother-in-law, Wayne Otkin; and sister-in-law, Carole Jackson.