from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Donald Schimek, 72, of Easton, Minn., died Oct. 15, 2011, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Schimek was born Oct. 1, 1939, the son of Edward and Catherine (Anderson) Schimek in rural Easton, Minn. On April 11, 1964, he was united in holy matrimony to Patricia Shanahan at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Mapleton, Minn.

He lived a wonderful life with his wife and family on their farm. His favorite pastimes were playing with his grandchildren and sporting events. He enjoyed animals, especially dairy cattle and horses. After retiring from dairy farming in 1999 he took great pleasure in raising and racing Standardbreds.

He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, served on the OLMC school board, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a board member of the Minnesota Harness Racing Association, past president of the Faribault County DHIA board, and was a former member of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.

Mr. Schimek is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Mike (Kristin), Joan (Paul) Gibson, Julie (Scott) Morgan and Dan (Kristine); grandchildren, Sarafina, Will, Bennett, Annika Gibson, Julia Gibson, Grace Morgan, Alex Morgan, Max Morgan, Caroline, Jacob and Kate; brother, Gene “Skip” (Tricia); sisters, Mary Helen (David) O’ Rourke, Kathleen (Gary) Sonnek and Marge (Bob) Sonnek; brothers-in-law, George (Diane) Shanahan and John (Deanna) Shanahan; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Fr. Dennis.