Donald Moe, 78, Battle Lake, MN

Donald Albert Moe, 78, of rural Battle Lake, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo.

He was born Sept. 5, 1929, in St. Paul, the son of Albert and Eldora (Johnson) Moe. He grew up in the Windom and Marshall area, graduating from Marshall High School. He attended two years of business college in Marshall, and then entered the U.S. Army, serving in Germany.

Upon his return from the Army, he settled in New Jersey and began his career as a painter and union iron worker. He was a professional painter, and union iron worker foreman, building bridges and casinos in Atlantic City.

While living in New Jersey, he met and married Gilda B. Cote. In the early 1980s, they purchased a resort on Otter Tail Lake, which became Moe’s Otter Tail Beach Resort, where he enjoyed his clients and made many friends.

He was a member of the Otter Tail Sportsmen’s Club, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

Donald enjoyed wood carving — donating many of his works to organizations, bird watching and feeding, hunting bear, waterfowl, pheasants, turkey and deer, and four-wheeling.

He enjoyed living on Otter Tail Lake, and loved the out-of-doors and nature. He loved to cook for his family and friends, and was famous for his fish fries.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Gilda, who died in 1993; and a twin brother, who died in infancy.

Survivors include his loving companion of 12 and half years, years, Delphine “Dolly” Spranger of Battle Lake; her daughter, Diane (Ron) Scott of Fergus Falls; his daughter, Terry Moe of New Jersey; a brother, Bob (Deloris) Moe of Battle Lake; a sister, Linda (Denny) Bruen of Manzanillo, Mexico; and Donna (John) Filippello, Sr. of Fergus Falls, who he raised like a daughter, and her children: John Jr. of Fergus Falls, Gregory (Sarah) of Hawley, Gina (Dylan) LeMasters of Kentucky, and Danielle of Fergus Falls.

Visitation: Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service

Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Chaplain Brad Skogen

Burial: First Lutheran Cemetery, Battle Lake

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences: www.olsonfuneralhome.com