Donald C. Ficken

Don was born May 28, 1934, to of Carl and Elfrieda (Klatt) Ficken. Don married Illa Jean Casper of Claremont, Mn. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 5, 2005. Don fought for the Golden Gloves Boxing Association for 4 years, was assistant coach for 1 year and then went on to coach for 9 more years. During the time he was coaching, Don went to work for the Blue Earth Farmers elevator where he drove truck for 13 years. Don attended the Basic Police Science School and joined the Blue Earth PoliceDepartment in 1971. He was a Patrolman for seven years and then served as Police Chief for seventeen years, retiring in March of 1995. After his retirement he worked part-time as a Deputy with the Faribault County Sheriffs Office.. Don enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, deer hunting, fishing, camping with family and friends and helping Frank and Kelly Drake with the spring and fall field work. He spent many hours in his woodworking shop carvingeagles and signs for family and friends.He is survived by his wife, Illa Jean of Blue Earth, son, Randy Ficken and his special friend Sharyl Hoffman of Blue Earth, daughter Julie (Ron) Pankake of Mankato, two grandchildren, Casey Ficken and his fiance Tonya Holland of Rochester, Holly Ficken and her fiance Justin Bramer of Waseca, Great Granddaughter Lexis Wirkus of Waseca.Special Grandchild, Heidi (Damon) Nielsen of Blue Earth, Special Great Grandchildren: Caleb, Justin and Jude.Also surviving are his Brother, Robert (Phyllis) Ficken, Brother-in-law, Allan "Shorty" Busch, Sister-in-law Marie Ficken all of Blue Earth and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Howard and Harold and sister, Delores Busch.