Obituary: Donald Liljeblad (1941-2025)
Donald Liljeblad was born on May 15, 1941, at Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, California. Donald was the oldest of the four children of Walter J. & Ida R. Liljeblad. He was raised in San Francisco and at 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in France. From the time he left the home, he went by the name, Don. While stationed in France, Don met and married his first wife. Upon returning to the States and receiving his honorable discharge from the US Army, he continued to reside in the bay area. This is where he and his first wife, Marie, raised their 2 children Brian Liljeblad and Janice Liljeblad. Don and his first wife Marie, were divorced in the 70’s. He loved his children and remained friends with Marie through it all.
Don later met and then married Linda Gayle Hall on Feb 14, 1980. Don was a Tradesman and made a living as a Carpenter. He learned the trade and was a member of the Carpenters Union. He retired from Citation Home Builders. When Linda Gayle retired, they moved to Penn Valley, California and spent their time golfing, fishing, remodeling their home at Lake Wildwood and enjoying every minute.
He had a great passion for the conservation of our lakes and streams. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. Don had many hobbies throughout his life, fishing being his first and lifelong hobby. He also did archery, diving, surfing, remodeling, building things from wood, reading, golfing and had a love of the history of the State of California and the gold country in particular.
Don remained active in Veteran Charities. He was involved in planning and fund raisings of Lake Wildwoods annual charity golf events called Injured Veterans Golf Tournament sponsored by the Lake Wildwood Vets, a volunteer group that provides financial support for disabled Veterans’ educational and life-enhancement goals.
Don passed away on April 6th, 2024, with his wife Linda Gayle and grandson James Rabe by his side.
Don is survived in Death by his wife, Linda Gayle Hall-Liljeblad; children Brian and Janice; siblings Richard, Louis and John; grandchildren; and many other family and friends.
A celebration of life was held in his home state of California at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach in 2024.
Please join Linda Gayle Hall-Liljeblad of Benton, Iowa at a graveside service being held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Benton Cemetery. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr assisted his family.
