Donald Fryslie, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at Lutheran Church of our Redeemer in Watertown. Pastor Dan Overbo will be officiating services. A meal and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service. Interment will take place at Vienna Lutheran Cemetery in Vienna. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown the evening prior, August 11, 2025.
Don was born on April 13, 1929 to Alfred and Lillian Fryslie of Vienna. He attended a one-room schoolhouse with his teacher, Eunice Palmer near Vienna through the eighth grade.
In 1951, Dan enrolled in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as an aircraft engine mechanic on B-29's and B-36's.
During his time in the service, Don met and married Elizabeth "Liz" Pope. After his service, Don went on to college, attending Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga University, graduated with a degree in Physics.
After college, Don pursued several business opportunities, including working as the system design engineer for Western Electric and Univac and owning several businesses such as the Dalles House Motel in St. Croix Falls, Wisc.; a florist shop and laundromat in Jacksonville, Fla.; Hillcrest Motel in Pratt, Kan.; and the Traveler's Inn in Watertown, S.D.
Don was baptized and confirmed at the Vienna Lutheran Church and attended Hosanna Lutheran Church in Watertown. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club.
Don is survived by his children Stanley (Becky) of Watertown and Donna (Brian) Stromquist of Oak Grove, Minn.; and four grandchildren: Elizabeth, Nick, Andrea and Matthew. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Liz Fryslie.
In lieu of flowers, the Fryslie family requests that memorial donations be make in Donald's memory to the Prairie Lakes Hospice program in Watertown.
