Donald R. Foley

Donald “Donnie” Raymond Foley age 84, of River Falls, WI, passed away November 10, 2023. Donald was born November 6, 1939, to parents Raymond and Catherine (Furlong) Foley in Montgomery, MN. Shortly after he was born his parents moved to River Falls where he became a lifelong resident. He attended St. Bridget’s Catholic School for his elementary years and graduated from River Falls High School in 1958. He married the love of his life Phyllis (Johnson) on October 10, 1959. The couple was blessed with four children, Tom, Tim, Todd, and Tracy.

During his high school years, he worked for Ginger Filkins at the Texaco Station. After high school he bartended at Emma’s Bar and at Skins Bowling Alley. He started his career with Minnesota Mining. During that time, he held several different positions until he was promoted to plant manager for the Printing and Publishing Division. He retired after 37 years. Donnie was an active member of the River Falls Volunteer Fire Department for 31 years. He also started a fire extinguisher business with Butch Kahut, he then took over the business when Butch retired with his son Tom.  He was also very proud of his opportunity to serve on the River Falls State Bank Board from 2002-2018, enjoying the interations with so many clients and friends. Throughout the years Donnie enjoyed his time at Buck Lake, hunting with his boys, spending time with friends, golfing, and wintering at their home in Mesa, Arizona. He cherished his time he spent with his wife Phyllis, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Donald will remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Phyllis. His sons, Tom (Molly) Foley, Tim (Lula) Foley, Todd (Peggy) Foley and daughter, Tracy (Keith) Bruesewitz. He was a cherished grandpa by grandchildren Rachel (Bryan) Strong, Ryan (Jessica) Foley, Daniel (Kelsey) Bruesewitz, Derrick (Natalé) Foley, Donald (Alyssa) Foley, Robert Foley, Polly Bruesewitz, Patrick (Lana) Foley and Nick Foley and great grandchildren Nevaeh, Wyatt, Thalia, Dahviae, Sawyer, Kenji, Layla and Avery. He is further survived by his Sister Kathleen Cook, niece Terri (Paul) Anderson, brother-in-laws Gary Johnson, Ronald (Karen) Johnson, and sister-in-law Deborah Iverson, several nieces and nephews and his dear friend Tom Wolf.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Raymond and Catherine Foley, in laws Marshall and Marie Johnson. Brother-in-laws George Cook, James Iverson and nephew Cory Johnson.

Per Donald’s request, memorials preferred to St. Bridget’s Community Church, River Falls, WI.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Donnie will be at 11:30am on Monday, November 13, 2023 at St. Bridget Catholic Church: 211 E Division St. River Falls, WI 54022. The Mass will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/-y76Pj0WyHg?si=sqkGrZrqoQeOw73A . A visitation will begin at 10:00am until the start of mass. Military Honors will be provided by Fletcher – Pechacek American Legion Post 121 after Mass.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of River Falls. For additional information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or contact 715-425-5644.