Donald Joseph Hoodecheck, age 89, of Sartell Mn., passed away late Thanksgiving evening, surrounded by his loved ones.

Donald, was born November 16th 1936 in Britain, South Dakota. He grew up in Worthington, Minnesota. Donald graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1958. After serving in the United States Army, Donald received his Master's degree from Minnesota State University, and PhD from the University of Minnesota. He taught high school english at Wells-Eastern High School for 5 years. He then joined the faculty at the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University in 1965 until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure at CSB/SJU he taught American Literature and Integrated Studies. In 1972 he joined the Education Department where he became involved in the development of the Human Relations courses for teachers, and worked at the state level for the establishment of the criteria for the state of Minnesota Human Relations Law for teachers. As a champion for equity and diversity in education, Dr. Hoodecheck guided meaningful change and inspired countless future teachers.

He was a member of the Notre Dame Alumni Marching Band, NAACP, past state officer of the Minnesota Human Relations Association, and served on the first St. Cloud Mayorial Committee on Diversity.".

He married Jeanne Chastang in 1959 in Columbus Ohio. They spent most of their married life in central Minnesota. Much of Don's leisure time was spent with Jeanne at his cabin in northern Minnesota where he was an avid walleye fisherman. He traveled widely, including leading students on meaningful study-abroad trips. Don was a music enthusiast of all genres. He had a beautiful tenor voice, and loved singing with his family.

Donald was preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Alvina Hoodecheck, brother Bob (Jane) Hoodecheck, sister Joan (Rick) Allen, and brother in law George Joyce.

Survived by, wife Jeanne, sister Mary Joyce, sister in law, Susan Hoodecheck. "The Misbehaved Children"; Mark (Maureen) Hoodecheck Elizabeth Hoodecheck, Stephen (Suzanne) Hoodecheck, Christopher Hoodecheck, Jennifer Hoodecheck, and our brother Theodore Moore, lovingly raised as part of the family, and his wife, Stephanie Moore. Seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life has been planned for Donald at his cabin with his family next summer. It was his happy place, where many cherished memories were made.

Memorials prefer to CSB student scholarship fund.