Donald Wermter

Donald D Wermter, age 77, passed peacefully December 27th in Brainerd with his family by his side. Don was born in Walker Minnesota to Arthur and Sarah (Kottschade) Wermter. At a young age his parents moved to Brainerd. He graduated from Washington High in 1965 and joined the Marine Corps the same summer serving as a mechanic at the DaNang Air Base, Viet Nam for 13 months, He returned to the states and became a prison guard for the remainder of his service, receiving a medical discharge shortly before his tour was over. He married his life partner Carol Specht in 1973.

Don worked at Scorpion in Crosby, Dondelingers in Brainerd, Crow Wing State Park, helped neighbors with his mechanical skills and did farming for others as health permitted. He was a member of the Brainerd Snodeos Snowmobile Club for over 45 years, grooming for many years and as a director for nearly 40 years. He enjoyed racing at the local dirt track for over 35 years and was singled out for being “Mr Mopar”, winning the Sportsman Award several times. Racing was a family sport, and he was the reason several of his nephews also raced the dirt tracks. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother and nephews. The coffee was always on, and he was happiest when socializing with family and friends. After his health started to deteriorate further his favorite times were spent in our suite at North Central Speedway watching his family race and having coffee at Hardees. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 50 years. He was always willing to visit and offer advice to anyone who asked. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife Carol; his brothers, Lyle (Marsha), Randy (Bonnie): his sister, Debra Tuttle: special nephews, Carl and Patrick Specht; and many other nephews, nieces and family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother-in-law Bill Tuttle.

Funeral service for Don will be on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11AM at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Burial in Oak Land Cemetery at a later date.