The memorial service for Donald Hamilton will be held at Country Neighbors in New Richland, Minnesota on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2 p.m. with Reverend Scott Williams officiating. Internment will be at St. Peter Cemetery outside of New Richland with military honors.
Donald, who was 100 years old, died Monday, January 30, 2012 at Country Neighbors, according to his wishes.
Donald was born December 14, 1911 in Parton, England to James and Sarah (Carr) Hamilton. He immigrated to the United States with his mother and 3 of his siblings in 1920 after his father died at age 52 in a drowning accident. He grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming and for a few years enjoyed being a cowboy with his good friend, Alec. Donald later had a job with the Wyoming State Highway Dept shoveling and picking rocks which eventually led into surveying roads going into Yellowstone National Park. He met the love of his life, Esther S. Michaelis, in Big Piney, Wyoming, where Esther was the superintendent of the school. They were married on May 30, 1936. Donald started working for the United States Border Patrol in 1941 and continued until his retirement after 30 years of service. He attended college in Minot, North Dakota & also in Grand Forks, at the University of North Dakota. Don was a veteran of WW II and was stationed in the Southwest Pacific as a military policeman. He had entered the Army on September 15, 1943 and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lt on June 8, 1945. Over the 70+ years Don & Esther were married they lived in numerous areas of the United States but retired to New Richland to be closer to Esther’s family. Donald was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Richland. Donald was an avid golfer & he spent multitudes of hours reading to keep his mind sharp. He enjoyed driving his Cadillac to Florida where he and Esther spent many winters. Donald adored his wife, Esther, and was her devoted caretaker in her later years when her health declined. Don will be fondly remembered and missed by all the dedicated staff of Country Neighbor’s who cared for him.
Donald is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sarah Hamilton; his wife, Esther; and all ten of his siblings, Andrew, Isabelle, Eva, Minnie, Sally, James, Jack, Roger, Ambrose, & Janet.