Donald J. Wiherski

Donald "Donnie" J. Wiherski, age 54 of Little Falls, MN passed away December 12,2009 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls with the Rev. MarK Innocenti officating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4:0-8:00 P.M. Thursday and Friday from 8:00-10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Donnie was born October 16, 1955 in Ramsey, MN. When he was three days old, he was adopted by Julius & Seraphine (Deering) Wiherski. He grew up in Little Falls where he attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, Little Falls Middle School and Little Falls High School graduating with the Class of 1973. Following high school, Donnie worked at Camp Ripley in the paint shop, for Burlington Northern Railroad and at Our Lady of Lourdes School as a custodian. In the 1970's, he also worked for Brown Morrison County Ambulance. Donnie was united in marriage to Annette Larson on May 14, 1982 in Little Falls, MN. Following their marriage, Donnie & Annette made their home in Little Falls, MN. Donnie later entered the insurance business with Bankers Life Insurance Company and later with Greater Minnesota Insurance in Little Falls. In 2006, Donnie started Wiherski Insurance Service in Little Falls. For 35 years he played in his bands the Polka Playboys and the Midwesterners. He had been playing music since he was six years old. Donnie loved being around people and was the life of the party and center of attention. He enjoyed deer hunting, spending time at his cabin on Crookneck Lake near Cushing, MN, watching old Western movies on TV and cooking breakfast with the Sons of the American Legion. Donnie was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, Randall-Cushing Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and the Little Falls Son's of the American Legion. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Annette; sons, Andy "Boosh" (Elizabeth) Wiherski of Randall, MN, Jared "Clampett" Wiherski & special friend, Jennie Zak, of Little Falls, MN, Jimmy "Slim" Wiherski of Little Falls, MN; grandchildren, Lauren & Oliver Wiherski; sister, MaryLou Wiherski & companion, John Richmond, of Savage, MN; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Leonard & Helen Larson, of Little Falls, MN and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius & Saraphine Wiherski. Honorary pallbearers are members of Donnie's 6:00 A.M. Crowder's coffee group, his 7:00 A.M. bakery coffee group and his bowling team from Emblom Brenny Funeral Service. Casket Bearers are Andy Wiherski, Jared Wiherski, Jimmy Wiherski, Matt Crowder, Bob Waltman, Louie Stumpf, Joel Larson & Duane Larson.