Donald Olaf Modeen Sr

Modeen, Donald Olaf Sr., Commander—US Navy-Retired Age 93 of Edina, passed away on May 24, 2018. Preceded in death by parents, Harriet and Olaf Modeen; brother, Robert Modeen, sister-in-law, Carol Modeen; brother-in-law Michael Olson, and daughter-in-law Janet Modeen. Survived by wife Rosemary (just 40 days short of their 69th anniversary); sons Donald Jr., David (Kathy) Modeen; daughter Pamela Walker; granddaughters Jessica (Charles) Hamm, Nicole (Adam) Hark, Mackenzie (Nader) Wahba, Morgan Walker; great-grandchildren Preston and Abigail Hark, Elizabeth Wahba; sister Barbara Olson; and many nephews and nieces. Don will be best remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that delighted in his family’s accomplishments. He enjoyed big band swing music and dancing, fast cars (as long as he was the driver), Old Fashions or martinis, jokes and songs, travel and all kinds of sports, including golf and hunting, but especially fishing and skiing (until age 83). He is remembered by his children and grandchildren for teaching them to bait, catch and clean a range of salt- and fresh-water fish. Following graduation from Central High in Minneapolis in 1943, Don entered the Naval Aviation Cadet V-5 Program and obtained his Wings, qualifying on F4U-Corsairs. Following transfer to the Naval Reserve at the end of World War II, he enrolled at the U of M. Don’s love of the dance room scene in Minneapolis resulted in him meeting his match on the dance floor. After graduation in 1949, and a short stint working for Honeywell, Don returned to active duty for his dream job—flying Navy jets! He qualified on the new F9F Panther, and surprisingly soon was aboard the USS Princeton in the Korean theater as a member of Satan’s Kittens Squadron (VF-19). He later commanded a helicopter squadron, and had tours in aviation intelligence in the U.S. and Mediterranean. Don is credited with 31 years of service to his country and was awarded 11 different service medals. Don ended his Navy career in 1974, and settled in Edina for the remainder of his life. In a second career, Don served as Director of the Child Nutrition Program for the State of Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 4th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, Valley View at Gleason Road Edina 55439 with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment at 12:45 pm Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church of St Patrick.

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Donald Olaf Modeen Sr

May 24, 2018

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