Donna Waletzko

Donna Marie Waletzko, 89, beloved wife of Donald Waletzko for 51 years, passed away on Tuesday, February 21^st in Alexandria, Minnesota.   She was a loving and devoted wife, supportive and caring mother, affectionate sister, and proud Grandma and Great Grandma. 

Donna was born on March 24^th, 1933, in Litchfield, MN to Ray and Ella Koenig.  Donna grew up on a farm near Litchfield and graduated from Litchfield high school.  She went on to earn a nursing degree at the St. Cloud Catholic Hospital in St. Cloud, MN.  After receiving her degree, Donna married Don Waletzko and they moved to Fort Carson, Colorado where they lived for 2 years as Don served in the Army.  Now lovingly linked as “Don and Donna”, they moved to Marshall, MN where they raised their four children and lived for nearly 40 yrs.

While in Marshall, Donna’s full-time job was raising their four children.  After accomplishing this very fulfilling job, Donna became the school nurse at Holy Redeemer grade school in Marshall and held that job for many years.  Donna had a deep faith in God and was a very active member of the Holy Redeemer Church and MCCL (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life).  Don and Donna led many Marriage Encounter and Family Encounter weekends to try to help many couples and families to move closer together and to God.  Don and Donna loved to load up the car and take the family on long vacations to Florida, California, Colorado and many points in between to see family and many sites and felt it was a better education than school alone.   When they retired, “Don and Donna” moved “up to the Lake” in Alexandria, MN. where they were able to enjoy lake life.  Donna liked to golf, play card games, entertain, make sure that none of us fell into the lake, and spend time with family and friends.  In Alexandria, Donna remained strong in her faith in God and was an active member at St Mary’s Catholic Church and loved being active in the “birthday club".   “Don and Donna” were lucky to find a great escape from the cold winters in sunny Fountain Hills, AZ.  As “snowbirds”, they enjoyed the warmer weather and had many great experiences in Arizona over the years.

Donna dedicated her life to her family and loved them very much.  She also enjoyed close relationships with her many friends and great neighbors. 

Donna is survived by her children, David (Nancy) Waletzko, Steve (Lisa) Waletzko, Paul (Karem) Waletzko, Ann Marie (John) Marshall; twelve grandchildren, Jacob (Ali-Marie) Waletzko, Megan (Jeremy) Hazel, Katie (Eric) Rajchel, Ben Waletzko, Becca Waletzko, Cole Waletzko, Jeffrey Waletzko, Erin Waletzko, Ella Marshall, Sophie Marshall, Cami Waletzko and Gretchen Waletzko; and five great-grandchildren, Owen, Jade, Sybil, Ian, and Taylor.  Donna is also survived by her brothers, Frank (Donna) Koenig and Jim (Jeanna) Koenig.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband Don and brother Chuck Koenig.

Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Rosary prayer at 4:00 PM and Parish Prayers at 4:30 PM. Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 3, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at the church. Committal service will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery directly following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary's Catholic Church.