It is with both sadness and joy that the family of Donald Robert Kulla announces his peaceful passing into eternal life. A beautiful life came to an end, and he died as he lived – everyone’s friend. He believed his last breath on earth would be his first in heaven, and we know that now he is experiencing the bliss of that promise fulfilled.
Born and raised in Hastings, Minn., Don’s life was anchored in love – steadfast, abundant, and unconditional. His passion and priorities always centered around his family: his parents and siblings, his beloved wife Mary Kay, his four children, and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who knew him affectionately as “Gramps.” He wasn’t just a grandfather – he defined what it meant to be Gramps: joy, warmth, wisdom, a playful spirit, and infinite love wrapped into one extraordinary man.
To know Don was to be changed by him. His love left a mark on every heart he touched. He was kind, gentle, and fun-loving – a steady and affectionate presence. His grandkids remember his Donald Duck voice (“Boy, oh boy, oh boy!”), peace fingers, his love of thick frosting, his silly side, and how he flirted with Grandma like a teenage boy. He beamed light, always knew how to make you laugh, gave love without hesitation, and made everyone feel safe and seen.
From the time he was a boy, Don was hard-working and thoughtful. At just seven years old, he began earning money through paper routes, cutting grass, and handing out flyers for the local movie theater – earning not just cash but free movies, which he loved. Often, he gave some of his earnings to help his family, saving to help his dad buy things for the other kids and improve their home. He especially cherished the time they spent together fixing up the boys’ bedroom, saying it made him proud to contribute and grateful to have such a good father and friend in his dad.
Don met his eternal true love, Mary Kay, in 1962, and together their journey began. He was just 16, and she was 14. They married the following summer and were inseparable for the next 62 years. Most of that time was spent in Hastings, and they also enjoyed living on the river in Prescott, Wis., for a couple of decades later in life. Their love story was one of quiet strength and enduring devotion, marked by traditions like never missing the Minnesota State Fair (except in 2020 when it was cancelled), Saturday morning donuts, and eventually enjoying their winters in Florida and Texas.
Don loved tennis – beginning at age 7 and playing pretty much daily into his 70s. He also had a passion for biking, running, Elvis Presley, babies, watching football, dogs, cars, games, horses, cowboy shows, and cookies – he never met a cookie he didn’t like. Whether playing shuffleboard, relaxing in a hammock, or volunteering, he brought his whole heart to everything he did. Incredibly humble, he rarely spoke of his generosity – like supporting people in need anonymously, donating bone marrow, and being recognized for reaching multiple-gallon milestones in blood donation over the years.
He began his career at 3M in 1966 and remained there until his early retirement in 2001. His work ethic, loyalty, and humility left a lasting impression on those around him. Yet it was his role as husband, father, Gramps, uncle, son, and friend where Don truly shined. He worked hard, and he played hard. His family and friends describe him as “the best of the best,” “a gentle soul,” “a generous, great man,” and “genuine and rare.”
Don’s faith was a quiet, steady heartbeat within his life. He loved the words of John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
He held the promise from Revelation 21:3–4: “God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
And he offered this prayer of peace: “Lord, when sorrow grips our hearts as we think about the death of one close to us, remind us of the joy You are experiencing as our loved one enjoys the pleasures of heaven. Please allow that to give us hope and comfort.”
Today, we hold fast to that comfort.
Don is now happily reunited with his parents, Doris (LaFavor) Kulla and Emil “Ted” Kulla; his grandson, Jared Davis; and brothers-in-law, Paul Gerlach and Joe Breckner.
He is deeply missed by his wife, Mary Kay (Gerlach) Kulla; his children, Lisa Carlson-Kulla, Robert Kulla, Ann Rodriguez, and Jason Kulla; daughters-in-law, Julie Carlson-Kulla and Sherry Kulla; son-in-law, Joe Rodriguez; grandchildren, Kristin Salseg, Nicholas Moeller Robles (Paulina), Emily Neuenschwander (Ben), Molly Mundahl (Taylor), Liz Kulla (Ben), Kayla Kulla (Justin), Katie Petersen (CJ), Nicole Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez, Jeremiah Rodriguez (Jasmyn), and Jacob Rodriguez (Emma); great-grandchildren, Parker and Rylee Salseg, Rowan Russell, Westin, Addison, Britton and Collin Mundahl, Dejah and Laila Charles, Aniyah Campbell, Logan and Ryker Playle, Emalee Smith, and Ryne Stewart; his siblings, Jim Kulla (Becky), Nancy Kulla, Joyce Kulla (Mick), Bill Kulla (Jennifer), Judy Kulla (David), Rick Kulla (Jo), Jerry King, Deb Sheehan (Ernie), and Mike Kulla (Jenna); sisters-in-law, Marlene Breckner, Carol Phillips (Steve) and Suzanne Blackburn; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and Nibbles, his special canine companion.
Don was sent to us from heaven to be an exemplary role model for 79 years. Now it’s up to us to carry forward his legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness. He showed us how to live well, love deeply, and walk in intentional love. For anyone who ever wondered what a good man looks like, we could point to Don and say, without hesitation: There’s a good man. A real, real good man.
He left this message for us:
A Limb Fallen
A limb has fallen from our family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says
“Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t just stare at a wall.
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.”
Don/Dad/Gramps, God has you in heaven, and we have you in our hearts.
Our family wishes to acknowledge our gratitude and thank all the people who supported him, brought joy to his life, touched him, and made his life meaningful. We know he is immensely grateful as well.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings with a visitation to follow until 4 p.m.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings is handling arrangements.
