Donald "Don" Harvey Splichal

Donald “Don” Harvey Splichal, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 4th, 2024, at Neilson Place in Bemidji, MN. He was born on September 19, 1933, in Glencoe, MN, the son of Rose (Dvorak) and Leonard Splichal.

Donald was baptized in 1933 and later confirmed in 1948 at Faith Czech Brethren Presbyterian Church in Silver Lake, MN. Donald received his education in Glencoe, MN, graduating with the class of 1951. After graduating he worked at the farm with his dad. On October 20, 1953, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and attended basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. After 16 weeks of training, he returned home for 5 days, he was then off to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for briefings to become a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne. During their training Don made 33 jumps. Don was honorably discharged on October 19, 1955.

On May 1, 1960, Donald was united in marriage to Doris Czycalla at the Faith Czech Brethren Presbyterian Church in Silver Lake. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children. In 1962, Don and Doris moved to Walker, MN, and purchased a 10-unit motel, The Y-King Motel (now Charlie’s Up North) and owned it for 12 years. Don also worked at Ah-Gwah-Ching for 35 years, retiring in the late 1990’s. He enjoyed fishing, deer and bear hunting.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Leonard; sister, Lorraine Karstens; and brother-in-law, Bill Karstens.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Doris; sons, Scott (Shari) Splichal of Walker and Eric (Cherry) Splichal of Bemidji; daughter, Sandra (Craig) Rittgers of Park Rapids, MN; 7 grandchildren, Chris Splichal, Megan (Danny) Cox, Ben (Nikki) Splichal, Marisa (Luke) Olson, Justine (Thad) Thompson, Bill Splichal, Justin Splichal; 8 great-grandchildren, Mason, Alexis, Natalee, Ethan, Allison, Carter, Natalia, and Jax.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will begin at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, with a visitation one hour prior, all to be held at the Community Church of Walker with Pastor Michael Small officiating. Don’s honorary urn bearers are all his grandchildren. Military honors accorded by the Spencer Ross American Legion Post #134 Honor Guard. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Walker, MN, following a luncheon after the service.

Don’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald "Don" Harvey Splichal, please visit our floral store.