Donald “Don” James Palusky

Published June 15, 2020 at 11:14 PM

Donald “Don” James Palusky, 88, of Duluth, MN and Punta Gorda, FL passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 in Punta Gorda. Don was born in Duluth to Mabel and Louis Palusky on March 7, 1932. He grew up in West Duluth, graduated from Denfeld, and attended UMD. He served with the Seabee’s designing airstrips at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Don was an engineer for the City of Duluth and received awards for his projects.

Don and his wife Donna enjoyed Duluth summers on Pike Lake and wintering in Florida for 24 years. You could often find him building, repairing, or tinkering with one of his many outdoor projects. His golf outings and Tuesday morning breakfasts with friends were special to him. He cherished his many years of trout fishing with co-workers on Crow Lake. For Don, every day was a “good day.”

Don was preceded in death by his parents; Fay Palusky; brothers, Gene and Graham; and sister-in-law, Sherryl Palusky.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Donna; children, Jim (Lorie) Palusky and Ty Palusky; step-children, Lori (Brad) Busch, Bill (Carla) Del Zotto, Chris (Patty) Del Zotto, and Nick (Missy) Del Zotto; 15 grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Virginia) Palusky, Bill Palusky, and Al (Mary) Palusky; sister-in-law, LaVonne Palusky; and several nieces and nephews.

Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was generous, kind, and a friend to everyone who knew him. Don often expressed how thankful he was for the “great life” he was given. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date.

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