Plymouth, Minnesota - Don A. Chillstrom passed away peacefully at his home in Plymouth, MN on October 9th, 2025 at the age of 87.

Born October 6th, 1938, at home, during the second game of the World Series to Amy (Olsen) and Oscar Chillstrom in Spring Valley, Wi. They later relocated to Baldwin, WI, where he grew up and spent years working at the family business, Chillstrom's Men's Store. It is during that time he learned many skills that would serve him well throughout his lifetime. In addition to tailoring skills and the ability to guess a person's inseam by sight, he also learned the skill of listening and serving others with sincerity and individuality. Don's father, Oscar, impressed upon him during his time in the men's store, the importance of remembering people's names and this was a skill he excelled at until his final days.

Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, with majors in English and History, in 1960, he married High School sweetheart, Dorothy Moe, and accepted a teaching job in Wayzata, MN, which led to a 35-year career in education.

After two years of teaching, Don was awarded a full scholarship through the Federal Government, to encourage teachers to enter the newly emerging field of school counseling. Don earned his master's degree in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota and returned to Wayzata for a lifelong career in counseling. He loved his job and always stated that he couldn't believe he got paid for it. Over the years, Don announced hundreds of football games and read thousands of names for the graduation ceremonies.

Don and Dorothy were married for 42 years until her premature death in 2002. From this marriage there were three children: Donny, Beth and Steve, all of whom graduated from Wayzata High School.

While Don loved his job, he took advantage of an early retirement opportunity and retired in 1995 at the age of 56. Don and Dorothy then purchased a small motorhome and spent 3 years traveling fulltime in the lower 48 states and eventually decided to settle in Green Valley, AZ, where Don was able to indulge in his lifelong passion of horseback riding. His horse, Caballo, was stabled at friend Jimmie's ranch in Tubac, AZ and over the years he had countless rides and brought many who visited out into the thousands of acres of public land adjacent.

Following Dorothy's premature passing in 2002, Don later married long time friend, Jean Koski, in 2008 and had nearly 15 years together prior to her passing in 2022. From this union, Don acquired three bonus children and their families: Bill Koski Jr., Cindy Koski and Kristen (Koski) Blanck.

Don was an innate caretaker, who was sincere in his care and concern for the well-being of others. He cared not only for his parents until their final days; despite living quite a distance from them and busy with family and work, he also provided care for his childless uncle and wife, other relatives and both of his wives prior to their passing. He was a mentor to many and during his last years the number of friends and family who have been here for him, helping with doctor visits and checking in, is a testament to his lifetime of sincerity and support of others.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Amy Chillstrom, two wives: Dorothy (Moe) Chillstrom and Jean Koski, many friends including Bill Koski Sr and Bob Miggins. Survivors include children: Donny Chillstrom (son Paul), Beth Chillstrom (daughter Norah, son Oscar), Steve Chillstrom (son Baxter) and bonus children and their families: Bill Koski Jr., Cindy Koski and Kristen (Koski) Blanck.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26th at 1pm, Service at 2pm with gathering following at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth, 17205 County Rd 6, Plymouth, MN 55447. Don chose to donate his body for research, so a burial ceremony will be at a later date to be determined. The service will be available via live stream at: spdlc.org/livestream

Don Chillstrom life interview with Rick Reed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc53WRLklkE&t=97s

The family requests any memorials be made to Interfaith Outreach: https://iocp.org/