Donald Richard Blegen, 84, died of a sudden stroke on January 7, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, while visiting family over the holidays with his wife, Donna.
Don was born at home in Spring Valley, Wisconsin in early January 1940, to his parents, Mardell and Henry Blegen, the eldest of five (notorious) Blegen Brothers. He grew up in and around Spring Valley, and after his father gave him his first fishing rod at age seven, could be found near the Eau Galle River or one of its feeder creeks practicing the perfect fly cast, often with one of his beloved dogs at his side. A highlight of his boyhood was feeding the monkeys and exotic birds, and befriending the lion, Powder, at his Grandma Jenson’s Zoo near River Falls, which sparked his lifelong interest in nature and biology. Other jobs in his younger days included working as a guide at Spring Valley’s Crystal Cave and as a pinsetter at the local bowling alley, Central Lanes.
He initially got to know the love of his life, Donna, in high school algebra, and after his graduation from Spring Valley High School in 1957, he continued courting her while studying at University of Wisconsin – River Falls (UWRF). They married in 1961, and were blessed with two sons, Bryce and Eric, over the next few years.
Don first got into photography in his early teens, a hobby which developed into a passion when he was hired as a part-time photographer for the UWRF college newspaper and yearbook, where a highlight included covering JFK’s campaign stop in River Falls in 1960. After graduating from UWRF at age 21, he was hired as a teacher at Elmwood High School (EHS) in late 1961, the start of a 35-year career teaching English, Biology, and after some years of building popular demand, Photography. Summers in the 60s were spent assisting on an archeological dig on the current site of Lake George and working on the construction of the Spring Valley Dam.
Don also acted as director of EHS school plays for several years, and tirelessly worked as the unofficial volunteer staff photographer of the Elmwood Beacon for sports and other school events, contributing many photos to the community newspapers of Elmwood (the Argus), Spring Valley (the Sun), and, in retirement, for the Sun-Argus, authoring a series of articles over many years on local history, continuing the legacy of his brother Doug.
Don’s summer family road trips with Donna and their boys in the 1970s involved explorations of many of the natural wonders of the United States and Canada and, despite the occasional wet tent or unexpected car repair, spurred a lifetime love of travel. After their sons grew up, Don and Donna expanded their explorations internationally.
In his spare time, Don was an expert fisherman and marksman, winning awards in trapshooting. He was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity. He got into birdwatching at age nine, and his life list of birds went beyond North America to include many species in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Combining his love of trout fishing with his nature photography skills, Don’s “fish pictures” and articles were published in magazines such as “Sports Afield,” “Field & Stream,” and “Wisconsin Natural Resources.” His nature photography was exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, and several galleries in New York. In 1986, his work was featured in the “Minolta Mirror” (an annual compendium of the world’s best photography), and his photos were published in many books over the years.
Don was very active in the local community, serving two terms on the Spring Lake Town Board, and several terms on the Spring Lake Lutheran Church Council. He also set up and then maintained the Spring Valley historical display in the Spring Valley Municipal Building for over 20 years. As part of his photography sideline, he also played the role of wedding photographer for more than 100 couples in the Elmwood and Spring Valley area.
In later years, there were many trips to Washington state to visit family, and Don especially enjoyed telling his grandson Gus stories, some scary, of his many adventures. His legendary sense of humor, wit, and affinity for puns and anecdotes will be sorely missed.
Don is survived by Donna, his wife of 63 years, his son, Bryce (Washougal, Washington), his son, Eric, and grandson Gus (Grapeview, Washington). He is also survived by his brothers Dean (Jo Ellen), Dennis (Barb) and Delmer (Sandy) as well as brother-in-law David Hulverson (Leona), sisters-in-law Carole Lynum and Jean Blegen, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, Doug; his brother-in-law, Palmer Lynum, and parents-in-law Clemens and Marie Hulverson.
A Memorial Service for Don will be on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, S520 Church Avenue, Spring Valley, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Sunday.
Also, please join the family for A Celebration of Don’s Life at the Elmwood Auditorium, 323 W Winter Ave, Elmwood, Wisconsin from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025, after the Memorial Service. There will be food and refreshments served.
Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
