Donald Gimberline

Donald Gimberline, born February 26, 1948, passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2026, just days before his 78th birthday. A proud graduate of Freeborn High School’s Class of 1966, Don carried the spirit of his Minnesota roots with him throughout his life. There will be multiple receptions, one happening in Florida on March 13th 1-3 PM at the Compass Rose Dining Room at the Landings Club, and a visitation at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home on Friday April 24th 6-8 PM, A graveside service will be held at 1PM on Saturday, April 25 at Freeborn Cemetery with a celebration of life to be held immediately following the service and until 5PM at TB3's.

After high School Don attended Waldorf College, where he played football, and later graduated from Mankato State University in 1970 with a degree in Secondary Education and a minor in Physical Education.

After college, Don began his career in sales with a housing firm. He later moved into selling and servicing corn dryers. In 1986, Don transitioned into the newspaper industry with a role at The Shopper in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Over the years, he traveled throughout Minnesota and Iowa working with multiple Shopper locations. In 1997, he joined Gazette Companies, focusing on The Penny Saver. In 2000, he began working for Woodward Communications with the Woodward group in Wisconsin.

Don was a man who found joy in simple pleasures, family and friends and familiar places. Whether walking the fairways of his favorite golf courses in Florida and Minnesota, enjoying his favorite libation with friends, spending time outdoors, cheering with unwavering loyalty for his beloved Gophers, or hanging with cat, Norton- he embraced the things that made him happiest. His easy laugh, steady presence, and love for the outdoors made him someone people naturally gravitated toward.

His memory will be forever cherished by his brother, Denny (Kelly) Gimberline; his stepsons David Chicos, Derek Chicos, and Chad Ramirez; his stepdaughters Kimberly McCleary and Sandra Blackwood; and many grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy. Don’s family circle was wide, and he cherished each connection deeply.

Don was preceded in death by his wives Jackie Gimberline and Karen Gimberline, and his brother Dale Gimberline.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to one of Don’s favorite charities, True Friends in Annandale, MN, https://truefriends.org/giving/.