"His soul left his body." Donald Gryskiewicz, 83, of rural Stephen, Minnesota passed away at his home the evening of September 20, 2017.

He was born on the family farm on June 4, 1934 in Wanger Township and he resided there until his death.  Donald attended a rural school through the eighth grade.  He was united in marriage to Janice Yutrzenka on June 3, 1961 at St. Rose Church in Argyle.  Donald farmed his entire life raising certified grains, certified seed potatoes and soybeans.  In 2015 he was awarded a Century Farm plaque.  Donald was a lifelong member of Assumption Catholic Church of Florian, Minnesota where he served as trustee and member of the parish council for many years, and was appointed one of the first Eucharist ministers at Assumption.  After retiring from farming, Don enjoyed family gatherings, checking crops, reading and wintering in Mexico.  He attended many sporting events of his children and grandchildren.  More than anything, Don will be remembered for his devotion to his family, the importance of education and his value of hard work.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, of 56 years, their six children, Jill (Merle) Adolphson of Argyle, MN, Jackie (Richard) Schloesser of Fargo, ND, Perry (Ashley) Gryskiewicz of Voorhees, NJ, Carmen (Shaun) Beauclair of Stephen, MN, Jeff (Mary) Gryskiewicz of Argyle, MN and Chris (Megan) Drennan of Buffalo, MN; 18 grandchildren; two sisters, Pauline Olsson of Minneapolis, MN and Mary Robertson of East Grand Forks, MN; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents August and Angeline (Kurowski) Gryskiewicz; sisters Irene Urbaniak and Alice Borowicz and a brother, Conrad Gryskiewicz.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Assumption Catholic Church, Florian, MN. Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.