Donna Marie Gunderson

Donna Marie Stahl was born to Ruth and Fred Stahl on December 15, 1928, attended by a midwife in Ashton, SD.  She was welcomed by her sister, Doris and three years later they welcomed another sister, Karen to this farm family.  Donna attended a one room school in rural South Dakota.  When Donna was in high school, the family sold their farm and moved to rural Rose City, MN.  Donna graduated with high honors from Alexandria Public School.   

 She met the love of her life, Harvey at Rural Youth.  They courted and were married on October 30, 1948 at Spruce Hill Lutheran Church.  After a 3-month honeymoon, touring the western USA and Canada they settled down to farm life on Harvey’s family farm near Kensington.  Life was filled with farming, church, card parties, dances, and family.

 Donna and Harvey’s family was blessed with 3 daughters: Cheryl, Dianne and Judy.  Donna was involved in the farm life as well as 4-H, Farmers Union, Solem Ladies Aide, Sunday School, and other community activities.

 Donna started working off the farm in the fall of 1962 at the ASC office in Alexandria.  Over the years she worked for Glenwood Manufacturing, Merrell & Associates, Douglas County Public Health.  She retired in 1996 after Harvey suffered a stroke.  They spent the next 17 years at their lake home, welcoming visitors, traveling with family and remaining active at Solem Church.  

 Donna waltzed into Harvey’s arms on January 30, 2024, at her home with Doug and Dona Stevens – Steven’s Home Plus in Barrett, where she had resided for over seven years.  She received excellent care from Dona and Douglas County Hospice.

 Donna is survived by her daughters: Cheryl Plouffe, Dianne (Gary) Johnson, Judy (Michael) Bialka; grandchildren: Christopher (Kelly), Jeremy (Leah), Heather, Kim, Colin (Amy), Erin, Troy; great grandchildren: Madison, Noah, Kellen, Hannah, Dylan (Megan), Tessa, Tiannah, Addisen, Jaxon, Caitlyn, Sierra, Rochester, Kira, Oscar, Evangeline, Frida and Arlo; and several nieces and nephews.   

 She is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; parents: Fred & Ruth Stahl; sisters: Doris & Karen; brothers-in-law: Ansel, Tom, Byron, Marvin; sisters-in-law: Marilyn, Ruth and Bergetta; grandson, Derrick.  

 Donna was loved by many and will be dearly missed.  

 A visitation will take place on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 4-7 PM with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN. 

 A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN. 

 Interment will be at Solem Lutheran Cemetery.