Obituary of Donald B. Crassweller

Donald B. Crassweller, 93, of Silver Bay and Duluth, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15th, shortly after spending the day with his family. “Crass” was a devoted husband and father who loved life and family. He was born in the family home on Cooke St. in Lakeside on October 26, 1921. Aside from the service and law school he spent his entire working life as a Lakeside resident. Crass’ father, grandfather, uncle and cousin were all Duluth attorneys and it was evident early on that he would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps. After attending the University of Minnesota for 2 years, Crass left and enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps. where he was commissioned as a navigator and served his country as a member of the “greatest generation”. Upon temporary return to Minnesota, Don met the love of his life Ruth Odegard. They were wed on August 5, 1944 at the Little Church of the Flowers in Forest Hills, California. Upon separation from the Army in 1945, Ruth and Crass returned to Minnesota where he continued his education at the U of M Law School. They returned to Duluth in 1949 where he began practicing law with the firm of Hunt & Palmer. Two years later the firm expanded and was renamed Hunt, Palmer, Hood and Crassweller. Over the years Crass gave much back to the community he loved; serving as chairman of the Duluth Charter Commission, past chair of the SMDC Board of Directors, an elder, deacon and member of the Board of Trustees of Lakeside Presbyterian Church, original member of the Board of Directors of Delta Dental Plan of Minnesota, active member and supporter of Northland Country Club, longtime member of the Rotary Club, member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and active in the United Way, YMCA Board, Boy Scouts, and Y Indian Guides, just to name a few. Crass was recognized for his 50 years of law service and a 50 year member of the University of Minnesota “M” Club. Crass loved sports, participating himself in high school and college. After high school he was even invited to baseball tryouts with the Yankees, Pirates and White Sox. Crass was always an upbeat, engaging and non-judgmental person who would jump at the chance to enter into a spirited discussion or a pickup game on the golf course. His sense of humor attracted many friends. Crass will be forever missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Ruth; son James (Barbara), son Thomas (Renee), cherished grandchildren Denise of State College, PA, Lee of Phoenix, AZ, Jess of Minneapolis, Nicole of Cary, NC and 6 great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11 am at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Duluth, MN. The family requests that any donations be given to the staff and residents of the Veterans Home in Silver Bay.