Donald Duane Dankert, 82, of Austin, died Friday afternoon, Oct. 21, 2011, at his home in Austin.

He was born Jan. 4, 1929, in Austin, Minn., the son of Elsie Dankert and William Svestka. At the age of 16, Donald became a baptized member of the First United Methodist Church. He attended school in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1947. He then attended Austin Junior College for two years, before entering the Army. He served from 1951 to 1953 in Korea. After his discharge, Donald returned to Austin, where he was united in marriage to Evelyn Enright on May 11, 1957. The couple made their home in Austin, where Donald worked as a U.S. Postal Carrier from 1956 until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. He enjoyed playing golf, cards, bowling and watching all sports on television. He was a founding member of the Cedar River Golf Club in Adams.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Dankert of Austin; three children, James (Bridgette Reinsmoen) Dankert of St. Paul; Thomas (Sheri) Dankert of Austin and Susan (Rick Cole) Dankert of Playa De Carmen, Mexico; three grandchildren, Vivienne Dankert of St. Paul; Erin and Jack Dankert of Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Eugene.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marilee Benson of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, and one hour prior to the service at the Worlein Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.