Donald R. Aarsvold, 93, Kasson

Donald R. Aarsvold, 93, formerly of Kasson, passed away at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Zumbrota Health Services in Zumbrota, Minn.
Donald was born July 20, 1922, in rural Peterson, Minn., to Joseph and Clara Aarsvold.  Later they moved to Kasson, where Donald grew up on the family farm.  He was baptized and confirmed at South Zumbro Lutheran Church in rural Kasson.
After eighth grade graduation, he joined his father working on the farm.  Church activities were always a priority, including choir and Luther league as a youth.  Later in his adult life, he devoted his time to Christian mission work.  In June of 1946, he married Lillian Peterson and to this union they were blessed with four children; Dennis, Cheryl, Mark and Donna.
After farming for 20 years, Donald and Lillian accepted a call to serve as lay missionaries for the American Lutheran Church in Brazil. They served as house parents for missionaries’ children for 11 years. They returned to the United States and served as resident counselors to the students at Lutheran Bible Institute in Anaheim, Cali., for six years. They retired in Kasson in 1984.  In 2013, they moved to the Zumbrota Care Facility, Zumbrota, Minn. He is now in his eternal home with his Lord, whom he loved to serve.
Survivors include his wife, Lillian, “the love of his life”; children, Dennis (Marilyn) Aarsvold, Cheryl (Les) Kyllo, Mark (Kim) Aarsvold, and Donna (Scott) Tollefson; nine grandchildren, Justin (Niki) Aarsvold, Jill Aarsvold & Steve Brady, Marcus Aarsvold, Leann (Luke) Peterson, Brandon Kyllo & Shannon Zeien, Laura (Tony) Johnson, Marin (Alcilito) Lopes, Jennifer Tollefson and Raquel Tollefson; and nine great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by two sisters-in law, Charlotte (Milfred) Aarsvold and Norma (Robert) Aarsvold.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Clara Aarsvold; brother Wallace and his wife Lorraine; brother Milton and his wife Dorothy, and brothers Milfred and Robert.  Donald loved his family and cherished each and every one of them.  Blessed be his memory.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 5 at South Zumbro Lutheran Church, rural Kasson.  Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 6, at South Zumbro Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Schwartz officiating and visitation one hour before the service.  Burial was held in the church cemetery immediately following services.
Dibble Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Kasson, 507-634-2331, was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.