Donald William Thuftin

Donald W. Thuftin, age 94, of Almena, died peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026.

Born in Barron on September 2, 1931, to Edward and Julia (Severson) Thuftin, Don was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Arland. He graduated from Barron High School in 1949. Drafted into the United States Army, he served in Korea and fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering in Japan, he received an honorable discharge and returned home.

Don later settled in Almena, where he met and married the love of his life, Linda, on December 10, 1960, at the Lutheran Church in Ridgeland. He worked for many years at Koser Silo Works, installing and servicing silo equipment for area farmers, before joining the Barron County Incinerator in 1987 and retiring on his 75th birthday in 2006. A dedicated community member, he served 35 years with the Almena Volunteer Fire Department, several terms on the Almena Village Board, and on the Housing Authority of Almena. He remained an active member of First Lutheran Church of Arland, where he served as recording secretary, treasurer, and deacon.

Don found joy in deer hunting, fishing, softball, dart ball, bowling, snowmobiling with the Almena Snowmobile Club, and lively games of cards. He also cherished traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Norway, and Denmark.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda; daughter Donna (Steve) Hannagan; son David; granddaughters Alyssa Thuftin and Nichole (Peter) Kniep; great-grandsons Theo and Callan Kniep; as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Orville, Olaf (Adele), Alvin (Shirley), Martin (Pearl), and Gordon; sisters Evelyn (Joe) Rischette, Berdean (Everett) Curtis, and Ruth (Glen) Solberg; and nephew Ed Solberg.