CARLTON, Minn. — Donald J. Rostollan, 97, formerly of Wakefield, Michigan, passed away Tuesday Feb. 4, 2025, at the Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton.
Donald was born on Oct. 10, 1927, in Wakefield, the son of John and Emma (Hietikko) Rostollan. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1945. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier for several years. Upon being honorably discharged, Donald worked in the underground iron ore mine in Wakefield and on iron ore boats on the Great Lakes.
Donald attended Suomi College in Hancock, Michigan, where he met Dolores L. (Utto) Rostollan, spending time together while taking the same bus between Suomi and their hometowns of Wakefield and Highbridge, Wisconsin. They were married on June 25, 1950, enjoying 71 years together until Dolores passed away in December 2021. The couple moved to Northfield, Minnesota, where Donald finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education-Social Studies at St. Olaf College.
Donald began his teaching career in Iron Belt, Wisconsin. for one year. In 1953, the family moved to Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, where he taught until 1964. While there, he supervised the school's Gun Club, officiated high school basketball and football games and coached the track team. He frequently spent time fishing and hunting with fellow teachers. The family traveled several summers with their small travel trailer to the area of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where Donald worked for the U.S. Forest Service at the Trail Creek camp and Magee Ranger Station.
In 1964, the family moved to the Town of Brookfield, Wisconsin. Donald taught middle school social studies in the Elmbrook School District in Brookfield for many years until his retirement. Donald and Dolores' three sons, David, Daniel and Donovan, attended Waukesha High School, and Donald obtained a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Donald and Dolores moved north to Wakefield in 2000. They enjoyed many years together as Yoopers, traveling many times to see family and friends, including two trips to Finland to see their Finnish relatives.
Donald was an avid outdoorsman, especially fishing and hunting. In his youth, he spent much time enjoying those interests with his Aunt Lempi and Uncle Matt. During his adult years, he spent countless hours working at the cottage on Pardee Lake in northern Wisconsin. He enjoyed watching both the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks as a season ticket holder. Donald was known as a caring, soft-spoken and a willing-to-help-out individual.
Donald is survived by two sons, David (Jean) and Donovan (Vicki); seven grandchildren, Cynthia (Alex), Sarah, Matthew, Nicole, Mathias (Jamie), Joshua (Ruth) and Anna; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.
Besides his beloved wife, Dolores, Donald was preceded in death by a son, Daniel; his father and mother; two sisters, Dorothy and Donna; a brother, Dale; and other cherished relatives.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., and the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., in Wakefield. The Rev. Brittany Barkus will officiate.

Full military rites will be accorded at the church by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the military honors.

A committal service and interment will take place at 3 p.m., at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Highbridge, Wisconsin.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald's memory to All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968.
A special thank you to the staff at Carlton Place Assisted Living, Inter-Faith Care Center and St. Croix Hospice in Carlton for the compassionate care they gave to Donald.

To view Donald's obituary online and express condolences, visit lakesidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.