Donald Thomas Oseland

On Friday, January 17, 2025 Donald Thomas Oseland passed away, just 4 days after his 71st birthday. He walked on in the company of friends and family, and we know he could feel the love surrounding him.

Don was born on January 13, 1954, in Duluth, MN to Lowell and Joyce (Wise) Oseland. He was the middle child of five and a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. He graduated in 1973 from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School and attended Mesabi Community College. Don moved to the Twin Cities area and was employed by Gould Battery. In 1978 he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Johnson. They bought a fixer-upper in NE Minneapolis and with more time than money, they created a home. There they welcomed the first of their three daughters, Brianna, Don became a self-employed ‘battery guy” and they decided to build a home in the St. Croix Valley. 

In Stillwater, Don hit his stride. His business, DC Energy, grew and so did his family. Two more daughters, Lauren and Grace, were born. He was made to be a dad! He became a sports coach of tee ball, softball and soccer. He was a Sunday School teacher, fearless leader of many trips to the BWCA, auto maintenance instructor, skiing expert, general guide to construction, plumbing and electrical skills. His daughters were apt students. He was proud to attend his girls’ orchestra and choir concerts, softball, volleyball, lacrosse and swimming events. Don was an involved father. 

He loved nature, from woods walks and animal watching to hunting and fishing. Live music was on the calendar weekly, usually rock or blues. He was a voracious reader, especially history, sci-fi and the daily newspaper, his favorite section being the sports page so he could keep up on the Wild, Vikings and college and high school teams. Don came to a truly appreciate his Native background later in life. He attended pow-wows and loved visiting with his Bear clan relatives. He was curious, analytical and could fix anything but was also silly, understanding, and comforting. He faced Kennedy’s Disease with determination and grace. He was the best. Whenever we see a shooting star, we will always think of you. 

Predeceased by parents and survived by wife Brenda, daughters Brianna Oseland (Vinay Singh), Lauren (Peter) Ray, Grace Oseland, brothers/spouses Michael (Patty) Oseland, Grant (Marilyn) Oseland, Curtis (Angela) Oseland and sister Karen Monsrud as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. Don would have become a grandfather to Chloe Grace Ray in late February. A celebration of his life will take place this spring at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd. Stilllwater, MN. If you would like to honor Don’s life, at his request, please consider a memorial to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness or the Kennedy's Disease Association.