Donald Leo Szymanski (Doc) passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2019, on his 95th birthday.

Don is preceded in death by parents Paulina and Stanley; and siblings; Edward, Bessie Balsimo, Mae Dahl, Vicky Skoog, Victor, Leonard, Rose Tricola, Stella Klein and Margie Licha. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear friends.

Don was raised on a farm in Stacy, MN before coming to St Paul.  After WWII, he worked in a machinist shop and later worked for Swift and Company in South St. Paul for many years before retiring.

Like his brothers he loved hunting, spending time on his speed boat and fishing on Mille Lacs in his ice house.  He even tied his own hooks with bright feathers which he called flu flus. He loved dogs and had a preference for black labs.

Doc was a loving and caring individual.  He had many tenants and took in family members through the years whom he cared for dearly.  His cared for his mother, a sister and a nephew for many years when they lived with him.  He enjoyed gardening, growing many tomatoes and peppers and giving most of them to neighbors and friends.

Don was one of the kindest souls there could be and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Rest in peace Donald, you will be missed.

Graveside services will be held Friday, November 1, 2019, at 10 AM at Saint Joseph's Cemetery in North Branch.