Donna Mae (Olson) Swanson Obit

DONNA MAE (OLSON) SWANSON, Deerwood,  passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2023 at Aicota Nursing Home in Aitkin, Minnesota.
Born on Oct. 15, 1942 to Frank and Mamie Olson of Adolph. Donna attended Proctor High School, graduating in 1960. Donna married Duane Swanson of Deerwood on June 11, 1977.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister, and is survived by her beloved husband, Duane, one sister and one brother.
During her very full life, Donna was an avid gardener and shared her abundant produce and beautiful flowers with grateful neighbors and friends. Donna was also a phenomenal cook, being especially proud of her delicious soups, her potato salad and the deer hunting dinners she hosted each year for her grateful hunters. She also loved to dance, especially to Duane’s music, which initially won her heart. One of Donna’s greatest loves other than Duane were her beloved kitties, for which she lovingly prepared daily meals for decades. They and the beloved family dog, Macey, will miss her dearly.
Because animals were always so dear to Donna, she requested that she be remembered with memorials to the Heartland Animal Rescue Team, 15494 Dellwood Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401. And because her generous spirit lasted to the end, she donated her body to the University of Minnesota for research.