Remembering Don Vertein

November 13, 1934 to December 3, 2022

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of Don Vertein. Don was a long-time and dedicated member of the Minnesota Dahlia Society. Don loved dahlias. He grew them, he showed them, and he judged them. He had many many friends in the dahlia world and we were lucky to have him. Don was a friendly and familiar face at all of our meetings and anytime help was needed he was there. Don volunteered at our trail garden and judged at our shows. He was mild-mannered, and a friend to all. We miss him dearly.

Preceded in death by parents Harry and Amanda Vertein, brother Merrell Vertein. Survived by his wife Lyla, son James (Joy), grandson Michael (Krista), and sister Harriett Scroeder.

Don was born on November 13, 1934 in Reedsburg, WI. Don spent his early years on the farm before the family moved to North Freedom, Wisconsin where Don attended high school and played basketball.

After graduation, Don earned his A&P license for the airlines and went to work at Wisconsin Central Airlines in 1953, which later became North Central, followed by Republic and Northwest Airlines where Don retired in 2004. It was at the airline where Don met his wife Lyla. Don and Lyla were married in 1958 and spent 64 years together until Don passed away.

Don enjoyed fishing and working in his garden where he grew his dahlias. He was a long-time member of the Minnesota Dahlia Society.

Services will be held at St. Stephens Church, 8400 France Ave in Bloomington on December 30th, with visitation from 1-2pm with service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St Stephens Church.

The family would also like to thank Grace Hospice for the wonderful and heartfelt care they provided Don.