Donald Delano Mosbeck of rural Red Lake Falls passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls.

Donald was born March 4, 1933, in Polk Centre Township to Oscar and Mable Mosbeck. He attended the local rural country school and graduated from the Crookston Agricultural School. He spent time working on the family farm and was then drafted into the army where he served 2 years before returning home.

On November 10, 1956, Donald married Ruth Iverson at Ecklund Lutheran Church, rural Goodridge. They made their home in rural Red Lake Falls where they raised their children.

Donald, along with his two brothers, established Mosbeck Brothers and began his farming career growing wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, oats, and other various small grains as well as a few cattle, pigs, and sheep. Together with his brothers, and along with Maurice Steiger and Douglass Steiger, he helped build and operate the Timberlane Ski Area in Red Lake Falls.

Beyond his work, Donald remained deeply rooted in his community, teaching Sunday School, and serving on the Black River Lutheran Church Board, the St. Hilaire Elevator Board, and the Alumni Association for the Agricultural College in Crookston.

Donald enjoyed working with rocks, cutting and polishing them into necklaces, rings, and belt buckles, often giving his creations as treasured gifts. True to form for farmers of that era, Donald was skilled and able to repair and fix a variety of farm equipment and vehicles.

He also loved history and genealogy and delighted in connecting family lines and uncovering relative connections. Fun Fact: One of Donald’s favorite discoveries was learning he was a distant relative of Buzz Aldrin (through marriage).

Donald lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 54 years. Through discipline, resilience, and determination, he, along with constant support from Ruth, managed the challenges of the disease while continuing to farm, serve his community, and devote himself fully to his family, living a long and productive life despite it.

Never one to slow down, Donald continued working and helping wherever he was needed, staying busy long after “retirement.” You would often find him in his garden, tending to his plants and gladly sharing his abundance of vegetables with neighbors and friends. Playing cards with family and friends was a common occurrence on Friday nights. A dedicated friend, he was always ready with a helping hand and a story to tell. Donald truly loved visiting with anyone willing to listen.

Of all Donald’s achievements, his family was the one he was most proud of. As a busy farmer, getting away was not always easy, but Donald and Ruth made every effort to create memories with their family. They both cherished family vacations and shared experiences, even when time was limited.

One lesson he instilled was simple… but essential: always take care of each other and always be there for one another. His family is blessed to have had strong role models in Donald and Ruth. They lived a life built on faith, love and dedication through a lifetime of many joys and sorrows. His family is committed to carry on this legacy within their own families.

Donald was joyfully welcomed home by his daughter, Jonell Mosbeck; grandson, Ben Mosbeck; brothers Warren and Veral Mosbeck; parents Oscar and Mable Mosbeck as well as his stepmother, Ruth Mosbeck, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Donald is survived by his wife of 69 yrs, Ruth; children, Kelly (Marilyn) Mosbeck, Diane (Gary) Johnson, David (Carol) Mosbeck, Alan (Cindy) Mosbeck, and Marci (Craig) Goldade; grandchildren, Stephen (Stacey) Stavenes, Sarah (Eric) Moose, Emily (Ryan) Hermanson, Miriah (Jared) Sannes, Zach (Kelsey) Johnson, Rachael Johnson, Jessica (Mark) Weaver, Mackenzie (Dustin Ohlhauser) Amy, Alex Amy, Josh (Aly Hennen) Mosbeck, Ian Mosbeck, Tyler Goldade, and Alexis Goldade; 20 great grandchildren; stepbrother, Virgil (Verena) Larson, sister-in-law, June Mosbeck, sister-in-law, Clara Iverson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

May his memory be blessed. He will be greatly missed.

To celebrate Donald's life and faith, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Black River Church in lieu of flowers.

Memorial service for Donald will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Black River Lutheran Church rural Red Lake Falls, MN with Reverend Frank Ehling and Reverend Sheila Michaels officiating. Burial will be held in the spring at Black River Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning.