Donald Biehn

Donald R. Biehn

Loving husband, father and artist Don, age 80 of St Paul, passed away June 15, 2022 in his home from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Born February 22, 1942 in Beloit, WI and preceded in death by his parents and former wife.  Survived by Marian (Borsdorf) Biehn his wife of 46 years; and a legacy of creative, loving children Kim Baker (Randy), Doug Biehn (Jayne), Erich Biehn, Anna Ellis (Miles) and Maria Biehn; grandchildren Ava, Luke and Lola Biehn, Oliver and Dexter Ellis; and sister Carolyn Caflisch (Carl).

Don grew up in LaCrosse, WI and attended the Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, FL. Always an artist and entrepreneur, Don started his career as a Commercial Artist in Milwaukee, WI in the mid ‘60s at Picard, Didier and Biehn. From there he moved to the SF Bay Area and was a successful freelance commercial illustrator.  Returning to the Twin Cities in the mid 1970s, he started Don Biehn Advertising Art. Initially a solo studio, Don’s business grew and DBAA thrived as a creative house of young talent receiving recognitions and awards during the TC advertising boom of the later ‘70s & 80s. He finished his commercial career as a freelance artist and art director.

Don had many interests and liked a challenge. His second love after art was cars. Most beloved was his notable 1969 Jaguar XKE. Interested in being a better communicator, he joined Toastmasters and refined his public speaking skills. His interest in the stock market and investing led him to study for and become a licensed broker. At 60 he started training for marathons and ran 8 including New York, Chicago, and multiple TC marathons.  Don rarely missed an opportunity to travel but reserved the summer months for grooming his lawn.

More than anything though, Don loved to paint and was a gifted artist. Throughout his life, he participated in studio drawing groups, art crawls, corporate exhibits and gallery shows. He carried a sketch pad with him on vacations. Upon retirement, Don dedicated himself to fine art and immersed himself in watercolor and plein air oil painting. He received awards in local, regional and national juried art shows; was a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America and American Society of Marine Artists.

A huge thank you to our family and friends who kept Don entertained with visits, calls and cards. He loved every moment of attention. Thanks also to his exceptionally caring and insightful Oncologist, cancer care and infusion nurses and staff at St John’s Cancer Care Maplewood. Your medical care gifted him and those who loved him with unexpected time and a quality of life.

Don will be remembered at a Memorial Service and Reception will be Fri. July 29 starting at 3pm at the University Club of St Paul, Summit Ave.  In Don’s memory and in lieu of flowers please:  Take Action: make an appt to donate blood, platelets or cash to the Memorial Blood Bank. Plant a tree. Or Give: donate to St. John’s Maplewood Cancer Care Center; The State Fair Foundation-Fine Art or the charity of your choice. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Biehn, please visit our floral store.