New Ulm Sports Central - Preserving and Sharing New Ulm Area Sports History

Don Veigel, 91, of New Ulm died Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm. Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, December 28 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm with Monsignor John A. Richter celebrating the Mass. Burial followed in the New Ulm City Cemetery in New Ulm with full military honors being conducted by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Don had a love for baseball and sponsored amateur teams, first in the old Pasture League and then later in Minnesota baseball where the "K" won the state championship in 1980. He continued a sponsorship of the team through the 2013 season by providing uniforms for the club. Additionally his interest in the New Ulm Country Club originated the Kaiserhoff golf classic which was so popular it had to be split into two events.

Financially he could be counted on for helping whenever there was a need.

Don was born on September 7, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN, to Albert Veigel, a veteran of World War I, and his wife, Wilhelmina (Helget) Veigel. In 1938, his parents initially purchased a small tavern next to the New Ulm Theatre which became the legendary Veigel's Kaiserhoff. Don went to work in the restaurant business at the age of 15.

He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1940 and entered the United States Army in 1941. He served for nearly five years during World War II mostly in Alaska. As a soldier, he earned recognition for his graceful penmanship and elegant demeanor, so he was assigned to administrative work for the general hospital and as an entertainment director where he met and befriended starlets, singers, and actors. In 1946, Don married Patricia Yost and from that marriage three children, Jeff, Desiree, and Jackie, were born. On July 13, 1990, Don was married to Jan Addy.

Don was an ambassador of goodwill and gemutlichkeit as the owner and host of Veigel’s Kaiserhoff Restaurant in New Ulm, MN, as sponsor of the Kaiserhoff Golf Classic Don mastered the art of making people feel welcome, comfortable, and important.

Don enjoyed golfing, baseball, bowling, music, and traveling. He valued quality food, Silver Bullets, long conversations, beautiful smiles, and cheerful dispositions. His Kaiserhoff also won a state bowling team championship in a sport in which he was one of New Ulm's better members.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jan of New Ulm, children, Jeff (Catherine) Veigel of Golden Valley, Desiree (Mike) Neumann of Atascadero, California, Jackie Olson (special friend David Kummer) of Rogers, Justin Addy of Sartell, Lindsay (Aaron) Rigelman of Rochester; grandchildren, Gavin, Jacob, Sarah, Sara, Porschia, Mercedes, Amara, Jace, Scarlett; sisters, Geraldine “Jerry” (George) Kurvers of Eagan, Dolores McNulty of St. Paul; nieces and nephews, Debbie, Georgine, Greg, Bootsie, Mark; and by employees past and present.

He was preceded in death by his parents.