Donna Holmgren Obit

DONNA HOLMGREN, 87, of Emily, died on Nov. 22, 2019,  while in hospice care in St. Cloud. She was born to Frank and Lillian Carlson on June 30, 1932, in Minneapolis. When she was in primary school, she was adopted by John Norlund when her mother remarried. She attended high school and Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato, where she met Gordon, her husband of 67 years.
After raising five children with her husband on their farm near Mankato, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University in 1982. She then worked for 17 years as a recreational therapist for the Lutheran Home (now Ecumen Pathstone Living) in Mankato. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran until she and her husband moved to Emily, where they are active in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Outing.  She frequently served on the board and participated in the quilting group, women’s circle, and many other activities. She was a loving and patient spouse, mother, and grandmother, and a kind-hearted and helpful friend to many. She will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Delone Mendele.
She is survived by her husband, Gordy, her five sons and their spouses, Paul, Rick and Carol, Mark and Di, Tom and Connie and Dale; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Outing, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A memorial service has been held. The family will host an open house celebrating her life on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato from 2 to 5 p.m.