Donald Metcalfe

Memorial services for Donald R. Metcalfe, age 83, of Albert Lea, Minnesota will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. The Rev. James Kassera will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery with military honors accorded by the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church.
Donald died on Monday, May 30, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Community.
Donald R. Metcalfe was born on August 8, 1932 in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Thomas and Ila (Tukua) Metcalfe.  He grew up in Freeborn County and attended country school.  After enlisting in the Air Force, he made it his career, advancing to the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He was stationed in various places around the world and served two tours in Vietnam.  While in the Air Force, he met Betty Kittell and they were married in 1960.  Together they had three daughters, they later divorced.  In 1979, Donald married Joyce Mielke-Brackey at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  Donald retired after 24 years in the Air Force and then worked as a foreman at Streaters for 13 years.  Donald was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, V.F.W., American Legion, Elks, Moose, and Eagles.  He enjoyed bowling and having new vehicles, camping at Hope, Minnesota, trips to Vegas with Joyce, pull tabs, and Sugarland.
Donald is survived by his children, Deborah (Jeffery) Berard of Essex Junction, Vermont, Catherine (Ray Donley) Metcalfe of St. Albans, Vermont, Donna Flanders of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and Todd Brackey of Albert Lea; daughter-in-law, Renae Brackey of Albert Lea; grandchildren, Jessica (Bill Holohan) Flanders, Jamie Lynn (Tony Fortin) Flanders, Billie Jo Brackey, Travis Brackey, Steven Brackey, Amber Brackey, Seth Brackey; great-grandchildren, Brian Hodak, Jr., Brock Hodak, Connor May, Cayden May, and Ayden Goodlin-Brackey; sister, Betty (Roger) Hermanson; brothers-in-law, Paul Andersen, Neil Severson, Vernon Mielke, Brian Carlson, and Bobby Bartz; aunts, Alma Phillips and Margaret Stuart; and many nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce; children, William Brackey and Randy Brackey; mother-in-law, Viola Bartz; father-in-law, Vernal Bartz; son-in-law, Raymond Flanders; sisters, Phyllis, Mary Ann, and Shirley; brothers, Dwayne, Thomas, Jr., Dale, and James; nephew, Steven Hanson; brothers-in-law, Virgil Mielke, James Cameron; sisters-in-law, Fern Cameron, Marsha Carlson; canine companion, Miss Mary; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Freeborn County Honor Guard.