Donald Mauch

Donald Edward Mauch, 86, a longtime prominent Fergus Falls businessman, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2011, at the Lakeland Hospice House in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was born February 28, 1925 in Goodrich, North Dakota, the son of Edward and Alpha (Norin) Mauch. He graduated from Goodrich High School. Don joined the U.S. Navy on September 25, 1944, attending Aviation Flight Training at St. Mary’s College in California. He was discharged on June 30, 1947, as an Aviation Cadet. He then attended Watchmaker, Jeweler, Gemologist schooling in Kansas City, Kansas. On November 10, 1946, he married Helen L. Augustadt in Goodrich, North Dakota. Don opened Mauk Jewelers in 1956 in downtown Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where the business is still located to this day. In 1986 Don and Helen retired permanently from the business. To date, Jeff (son) and Roxanne (daughter) continue to run the family business of Mauk Jewelers. Don and Helen enjoyed their retirement years in San Clemente, California, and Sun City West, Arizona with many of their Fergus Falls friends. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Grace United Methodist Church, El Zagel Shrine Club of Fargo, ND, the Independent Jewelers Organization, and the MN Jewelers and Watchmakers Association. Don’s passion was golf – he was a 5 time winner of the Pebble Lake Golf Club Pot of Gold Golf Tournament. He leaves a legend of music which was inspired by his mother and father. Don played the trumpet and the organ, which entertained his family, friends, special events, and of course, the neighborhood. Don’s ability to bake pies and can pickles was over the top. He also enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing. Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Helen, their son, Michael, his mother, Alpha, and father, Edward, his sister, Marilyn, his brother, Duane, and his son-in-law, Charles Vigen. Survivors include his children: Roxanne Vigen of Fergus Falls, Susan Mauch (Bill Larson) of Eagle, CO, and Jeff (Colleen) Mauch of Battle Lake; five grandchildren: Jody Lynn Mauch of Fergus Falls, Cass Walker Vigen of Minneapolis, Emily Susan Mauch of Aberdeen, SD, and Lars (Jen) and Tove Vigen of Old Saybrook, CT; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Mauch and Dakota Vigen. There will be a time to visit with family and friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2011, at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls with Reverend Bob Kandels officiating. Military Participation will be provided by the Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30.   A private interment will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls at a later date. Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice, Fergus Falls, or the Grace United Methodist Church of Fergus Falls.