Donald W. Fitzner

Donald W. Fitzner, age 87, of Renville, died Monday, September 5, 2022, at CentraCare-Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.  Funeral services will be Monday, September 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Renville.  The Rev. Trevor Bailey will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date in Fairview Cemetery in Renville.  Visitation will be Sunday from 4-7 p.m. and will continue on Monday one hour prior to the services all at the church in Renville. In Lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred.  Arrangements are with Dirks-Blem Funeral Services, Renville, MN.

Don’s funeral can be viewed on the following link https://my.gather.app/remember/donald-fitzner

Donald Walter Fitzner was born on July 10, 1935, to Leonard and Marie (Dittberner) Fitzner in Milbank, SD. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. He later attended country school in Big Stone City, SD. Growing up on the family farm, there was no shortage of things to keep Don busy. From daily chores to raising cattle and hogs and even helping out the neighbors, Don was always hard at work. A trait he’d carry with him his entire life. He would later go on to meet the love of his life – Patsy Cartwright. They were united in marriage on October 25, 1959, and were blessed with three children. The hard worker he was, Don was the start-up manager for the National T food chain stores across Minnesota and South Dakota before accepting a position with the Keebler Company and becoming their largest “elf”. In fact, in 1971 he broke the record that was held since 1951 for selling the most Town House crackers.  While Don enjoyed those early days in his career, it wasn’t until 1971 that he truly found his calling. It was then that he attended the Reisch Worldwide College of Auctioneering and from there, he was sold. Auctioneering was more than just a job to Don – it was his passion. As a result, Don moved his family to Oliva, MN, to start his own business and would go on to conduct thousands of auctions across three different states. And when the opportunity presented itself in 2001, Don and Patsy moved to Renville, MN, where he also took ownership of the Renville Sales Pavillion and launched Renville Trailer Sales.

But Don’s life wasn’t all work and no play. Some of the things that he enjoyed were his love for old cars, tractors, travel, and horses. His greatest joy, however, came from his family and friends. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – attending as many of their events as he could.  When he wasn’t spending time with family, you could find Don at the local coffee shops, visiting with friends. He loved being around people. With his infectious personality and wonderful sense of humor, he had a presence that just put you at ease and made you feel like family.  Don had a servant’s heart and was always the first to step up and help someone in need. Never asking for anything in return. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his wife Patsy of Renville, and his three children, Jody Boettcher of Renville, Kim McFall of Hector, and Todd (Lisa) Fitzner, of Renville. Grandchildren: Shane (Kayla) Fitzner, Ashley (Brennan) Poderzay, Tiffany (Nick) Schultz, Abby (AJ) Anthony, Jeremy Boettcher (fiancé Brittany), Jacob Boettcher, Hunter McFall, and Haley McFall. Great-grandchildren: Carson, Beckham, and Ariya Fitzner, Brynna Novotny, Dax and Lydie Poderzay, Chloe and Freya Schultz, Asher Anthony, Konnor White and Bella Boettcher. Siblings: Sister Darlene Loeschke, Brother-in-law Wally Sayles, Sister-in-law Karen Fitzner, Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Larry and Elaine Cartwright, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Christopher Novotny, his sister Alice Sayles, his brother Dale Fitzner and brother-in-law Jim Loeschke.