November 25, 1933 - February 12, 2026
Richard Donald Stelli
"Don"
Age 92, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Bloomington, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family. Known to many simply as Don, he was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. Don had a natural gift for connecting with people—his warm smile, joyous laughter, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. As many have said, “Who could not love Don?” Don truly lived life to the fullest. He found great joy in hunting, fishing on Lake Superior and in the Florida Keys, scuba diving, traveling and most of all in spending time with family and friends. He also had a deep love for football and the Chicago Bears. He had a special love for his Black Labrador retrievers, who were constant companions throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, and his children: Jerry (Ryoko), Jeanine (Mark), Ken (Cindy), and Greg (Beth). Don was a proud grandfather to Morgan, Nicolas, Ellen, Nathan, CJ and Minkee. He is also fondly remembered by his extended family, Chicago family, Lorrie (Vic), Parker and by many dear friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Marilyn and other beloved family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Masonic Homes Bloomington MN.
Funeral Service
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10:00AM
Visit 1/2 hour prior
Lakewood Cemetery Chapel
3600 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lunch to follow service
Don can only be described as
“Unforgettable”. He had a heart of gold and was the first one to step in when someone needed help
My husband Gil and I had such fun times spent with Don and his lovely wife Patricia
Yearly boating trips and Florida Keys trips among the favorites
Don May have moved to Heaven but he will live in the hearts of many
Don and I worked together at Masury Columbia from 82-85. He was my mentor there. He recommended me for my job at ABM where we worked together for 27 years. Along the way we hunted Pheasants and caught Walleyes. A few Ducks and Geese. Most everything I learned about Sales I learned from Don and much about relationships. Over the last few years our time has gotten further between visits, but it was always like we never skipped a beat. Don was a picture of a life well lived. Finally renited with Remington, Buckshot and the others! Rest in Peace!
Don was a “Prince” of a man. I think everyone he connected with through work loved him. He was always so kind and a true professional. I was so fortunate to have him as a mentor, business partner and friend. I admired him greatly. My condolences to the family.
Don had a way of lighting up every room he entered, and we are all better for having known him. I will always remember his infectious laughter, the sincere care and concern he showed to everyone he met, and that familiar long pause—followed by his deep “Ahhhhhh”—before he shared his thoughts. Please know that the entire extended Stelli family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy, my friend.
Don was the friendliest guy you could ever know. His boisterous laugh would fill a room. His positive attitude and strong work ethic carried him through all the ups and downs of his long life and endeared him to all who knew him. I will always treasure the memories of all the hours we spent together hunting ducks, geese, pheasants, moose, elk, bear, and caribou, and all the times we spent reliving those experiences. He was a true friend and I will miss him. My condolences to all of his extended family.
The Captain has set sail! We will always warmly remember Don’s ebullient laugh, enormous bear hugs, and BIG LIFE energy. We honor his great love for his children and grandchildren, the open sea, his dearest first mate Pat, and the loyal Black Labradors who travelled at his side for many years.
“Gone from My Sight”
Reverend Luther F. Beecher, 1813-1903
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, “There! She is gone.”
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me and not in her.
And, just at that moment when someone says, “There! She is gone!” there are other eyes watching for her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “There she comes!”
We pray peace and comfort for Don’s entire family. May he sail forever in fair winds and following seas.
Tammy Bormann and Mark Paris