After living a long and happy life, Donald Russek went to be with his mom and dad. Donald was born in 1956 to Ruth and Art Russek with Down’s Syndrome and eye cataracts. By his mid-twenties he was blind. But don’t feel sorry for Donald. He drove a speedboat on Lake Minnetonka, went to camp every summer, rode in convertibles, went to micro-breweries with his sister, watched youth football games his nephew Jamieson coached and took in the state fair, Twins games, a dress-rehearsal at the Guthrie and even an opera. A special moment was a live concert by his favorite singer, Johnny Rivers. He loved the Fourth of July celebration in his hometown, Delano. For many years he worked at a sheltered workshop called Workabilities.

Donald lived for more than forty years at REM-Minnetonka. Our family wants to thank the staff and the residents of REM for all they did to give Donald a warm and loving home.

Donald was preceded in death by this mother and father, Ruth and Art Russek, brother Rick Russek and brother-in-law Charles Sindorf. Survivors include his sister Carol and brother Bob, sister-in-law Shelley and nephews Jamieson (Caitlin), Sean (Amie) and Ryan (Kathleen).

Everyone who knew Donald will remember his positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor. Above all, Donald was very good at being happy.

We will all miss him.

There was a celebration of Donald’s life 11AM on Friday, February 16 at B’s On The River, 1455 County Rd 27, Watertown, MN 55388.