Donald Bemis

Donald James Bemis passed away suddenly on May 29, 2026, at the age of 63, surrounded by his family at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Taken far too soon from those who loved him, Donnie leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Donnie was born on March 15, 1963, in Princeton, Minnesota, to James and Esther Bemis. He grew up in Milaca as the third of four children, with his sisters Barbara (Barb), Brenda, and Kathleen (Katie) helping to keep him in line. The family lived on Gable Road, just outside of town, where Donnie spent his childhood bringing laughter to the table, washing trucks with his dad, fixing anything with wheels or a motor, making lifelong friends, and occasionally giving his parents reason to worry with his adventurous spirit and love of a good time.

He attended Milaca High School, where at age 16 he met his high school sweetheart, Pamela (Pam) Hulslander. He graduated in 1981 and immediately began working in the auto body industry while also driving semi-truck alongside his father for Jim Bemis Trucking. Donnie worked hard and lived life to the fullest, always making time for family and friends.

Donnie married Pamela Hulslander on October 11, 1986, in Milaca, Minnesota. Just months before their wedding, he worked tirelessly to complete the construction of their first home in Estes Brook, Minnesota. There they built a life together and welcomed their two sons: Tyler, born December 2, 1988, and Logan, born March 17, 1993. Family was at the center of Donnie's life. His love for life on the road, his friendships, and his family blended seamlessly with his passions. He devoted himself to raising his boys and supporting their interests, whether attending sporting events, helping with the Bemis Brother's dirt bike racing, or spending hours in the shop sharing stories and life lessons. He took great pride in creating opportunities and memories for those he loved.

After his father retired and sold Jim Bemis Trucking, Donnie purchased his own truck and continued his career on the road. In 2008, he went to North Dakota, where he worked driving truck for the oil fields and spent valuable time working alongside his son Tyler.

Becoming a grandfather brought Donnie immense joy. In recent years, he returned to his roots and established a home in Ogilvie, Minnesota, where he could be close to his grandchildren—Ada, Kolt, and Gentry. Donnie continued his craft in auto body, rebuilding cars and side-by-sides in his shop. His remarkable ability to take something damaged and restore it to beauty reflected the way he approached life and people.

Donnie saw beyond brokenness and hardship. He found beauty where others saw flaws and often helped restore not only vehicles, but also relationships and spirits. He possessed a generous heart, a servant's nature, and a gift for making people feel valued. Though he faced his share of life's challenges, he remained a faithful friend, devoted family man, and hardworking provider. His memory will live on through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the many lives he touched.

Donnie is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Bemis; his sons, Tyler Bemis and Logan (Karlee) Bemis; and his cherished grandchildren, Ada Roan, Kolt James, and Gentry Vian. He is also survived by his father, James Bemis of Milaca, Minnesota; his sisters, Barbara (Brian) Packard of Milaca, Minnesota, Brenda (Rick) Denny of Otsego, Minnesota, Kathleen (Jesse) Brown of The Villages, Florida; his sister-in-law Gwen (Doug) Carlson of Cold Spring, Minnesota; his brother-in-law Cory (Deb) Hulslander of Skiatook, Oklahoma. Extended family includes his aunts, Catherine Sederquist, Nancy Swanson of Milaca, Minnesota and uncles Bill Bemis, Curt (Elesha) Bemis, and Steve (Mary) Bemis of Foreston, Minnesota, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Bemis; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glenn and Joanne Hulslander; his grandparents, Hugo and Hortense Dahlstrom; and Charles and Helen Bemis.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milaca. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 4 - 7 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... He has made everything beautiful in its time." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 11

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7