Donald Melvin Moe

Donald Melvin Moe was born in Crookston, MN and died peacefully at home on December 30, 2017 after a remarkable eight years with multiple myeloma. Don is survived by his beloved spouse, Colleen Halpine and step children, Benedict Seliga and Michele Seliga (Brandon Lattin); siblings, Alden (Elayne) Moe, Cape Canaveral, FL; Janet (Harvey) Solheim, Crookston, MN; Roger Moe, Erskine, MN; Paul Moe (Debbie Dorner), White Bear Lake, MN; Maxine (Clint) Rasmusson, Ada, MN and Sherilyn Moe (Ted Margitan), Columbia Heights MN and 15 nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mathilde Njus Moe; nephew, Dean Moe and sister-in-law, Paulette Moe. Don grew up on a family farm in Polk County where electricity arrived when he was eight years old and he attended a one room country school through fifth grade. A graduate of Crookston Central High School in 1960, he served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966. He was assigned to a Pershing missile unit and was stationed in Schwaebisch Gmuend, West Germany. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1968. Beginning in 1970, he was elected to five terms in the MN House of Representatives. In 1980, he was elected to the MN Senate, succeeding former Senator Nick D. Coleman. He served 10 years in the Senate. Don was an adventurous and experienced traveler. Following his Army discharge at age 23, he embarked on a 10,000 mile driving and camping excursion around the Mediterranean Sea. Don and Colleen traveled extensively in Europe including cruises on the Rhone and Danube Rivers, and three trips to Ireland. By studying historical maps of Ireland, Don was able to locate Colleen's great grandfather's farm and Colleen found second cousins she did not know existed. Don spent a great deal of time and energy maintaining close relationships with his family and friends and was a positive influence on the lives of nieces, nephews and children of friends. He regularly gave tours of the Capitol, instilling in them a respect for government. Don read several newspapers and periodicals each day and had an extensive WW II library; and organized and displayed family archives in their home. An avid preservationist, Don restored one of Minnesota's oldest homes in the St Paul Ramsey Hill district over a period of thirty years. Built in 1857, this historic home was the setting for countless celebrations and events with family, friends and law makers. Visitation for Don Moe is from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with a program at 6:30 Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave, St. Paul. The funeral service is at 10:00 AM Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Unity Unitarian Church, 733 Portland Ave, St. Paul. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Habitat for Humanity or donor's choice.