Donald "Don" Sartori

Don was born on March 17, 1942, in Joliet, Illinois, to the late Peter John and Josephine F. Sartori. He graduated from Lockport Township High School with the Class of 1960. Don honorably served in the United States Air Force from February 1961 to October 1964; and was assigned to the United States Air Force Surveillance Radar Station located in Wadena, Minnesota. On April 14, 1962, Don was united in marriage to Carolyn Kay VanOrsdel in Joliet. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Sherry, Donnie, Kim, and Mike.

Early in their marriage, Don and Kay lived for a short time in Wadena before moving to Lockport, Illinois. Over the years, they also made their home in Gresham, Oregon; McHenry, Illinois; and later returned to Lockport. In 1975, they settled once again in Wadena, where Don worked at Lambert Lumber, Wadena Saw Mill, Merickel Lumber, and Gordy Sorenson Construction. He enjoyed morning coffee with friends, exploring new technology, and spending cherished time with his grandchildren.

On February 20, 2026, Don passed away peacefully at Fair Oaks in Wadena, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Kay; his parents, Peter and Josephine; and his sister, Diane (Sartori) Ureche.

Don is survived by his children: Sherry (Eugene) Richter of Sioux Falls, SD; Donnie (Julie) Sartori of Waseca, MN; Kim (Jack) Johnson of Park Rapids, MN; and Mike (Nikki) Sartori of Wadena, MN; nine grandchildren; six great‑grandchildren; his sister, Linda (Rich) Timoney of Greensboro, Georgia; along with many other relatives and a host of friends.

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