Donald R. deChambeau

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Tuesday January 13 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park, for Donald R. deChambeau, 83, of Waite Park, who died January 9, 2009 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Marine Corps League, Valhalla Detachment #171.
Friends may call from 4:00-8:00 PM on Monday, and after 9:00 AM on Tuesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Parish prayers will be at 5:00 PM and the Marine Corps League will have a prayer service at 6:30 on Monday at the funeral home in St. Cloud.
Don was born on May 5, 1925 in Virginia, MN, to Frank and Mae (McArthur) deChambeau. He graduated from Hibbing High School. Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from Feb. 24, 1943 until August 20, 1949; he participated in the invasion of Okinawa. Don married Louise Soular on October 11, 1946, in Bakersfield, CA. He was a long time credit manager in the St. Cloud area, retiring in 1988.
Don was a founder and director of the Marine Air Warning Squadron-7 Association. He was a member of the Marine Corps League Valhalla Detachment serving as Commandant for five years. Also, 1st Division Association, China Marine Association, Marine Aviation Association, Marine Night Fliers Association, Marine Corps Association, VFW Post 428, American Legion Post 254, and DAV Chapter 9.
Don is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Louise; son Don (Sue); granddaughters Shannon (Mike) Petroske, Sara (Andy) Marek, Mandy (Jake) Eckerman; great-grandchildren: Jack, Emma, Max, Julia, Isabelle, Benjamin; sister Shirley Hart; many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Frank.
Don’s family would like to thank the staff at the VA Medical Center, Building 50-1 for their care and compassion.
Memorials are preferred and will be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.