Donald G. Zarns

Donald G. Zarns, 78 year old resident of Randall, MN, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at the Long Prairie Hospital. A Funeral Service was held Saturday, October 31, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN, with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. Caring for Don and his family is LeMieur Funeral Home in Swanville.
Donald Gene Zarns was born November 30, 1947, to the late Fredrick and Faye (Martin) Zarns in Little Falls, MN. He was raised in rural Swanville, MN on the family farm. He attended Swanville High School, graduating in 1965. In elementary school, he saw the prettiest girl he had ever seen get on the school bus – Carol Sawdy, who later became his wife on a frigidly cold day, December 28, 1968. Donny joined the Navy, and together they moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where he was stationed. He worked as an aircraft carrier plane captain on the USS Saratoga, where he was deployed to the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1974. Donny and Carol settled back in Swanville, where they farmed. They proceeded to raise five boys while tending to the farm needs until they moved into their forever home nearby. Donny spent four decades working through an array of positions at Larson Boats, where he retired as the warranty manager.
Donny loved his boys and would do almost anything for them. Made to be a boy dad, he could always be found outside and uninhibited by societal pressure; you got what you got with him. Hunting, fishing, boating, 4-wheeling, gardening, and caring for his homestead were a few of his favorite things. Donny did not idle well – he was always up for an adventure, even if simply going on a joy ride in the country. His easy-going attitude, kind heart, and gentle voice would warm the souls of anyone around him. After Carol’s passing, the adoration of the grandkids was in the forefront, and he would do absolutely anything he could do to spend time with them – he was always joy-filled in their presence.
Donny is survived by his sons, Troy (Jill) of Swanville, Chad (Sherry Donahue) of Little Falls, Shane (Michelle) of Randall, Josh (Sara) of Randall, and Travis (Kelsey Stavish) of Randall; grandchildren, Mitchell (Tori), Autumn, Lilyana, Liam, and Hadley; great-grandchildren, Everett and Aurora; sister, Yvonne VanBockel; brother-in-law, Bill Meservey; and sisters-in-law, Zita Zarns and Bonita Zarns.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Zarns; his parents, Fredrick and Faye Zarns; his brothers, Jim Zarns and Dick Zarns; his sister, Diane Meservey; and brother-in-law, Melvin VanBockel.