Donna Finch, 83
Donna Faye Finch, 83, of Red Wing, died Sunday, March 25, at the Red Wing Health Center.
- Donna Finch, 83
Donna Faye Finch, 83, of Red Wing, died Sunday, March 25, at the Red Wing Health Center.
Donna was born on Sept. 22, 1928, in Grange Hall Township, Wis., the daughter of August and Helen (Coulson) Ferber. She grew up in the Ellsworth area and graduated from Ellsworth High School. She worked as a nurse's aide at St. John's Hospital in Red Wing. She married Willard Finch in 1951 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. They later divorced in 1967. Donna had a special friend and companion in Ray Rodewald and his family became her family. They enjoyed Old Time Music and dancing. Donna worked as a dietary aide at St. John's Hospital for 21 years.
She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Quilting Circles of St. Paul's and Concordia Lutheran Church. She was a Brownie Scout Troop Leader at the Jefferson School. She was a member of Pocahontas and a past Pocahontas. Donna enjoyed sewing crafts, reading, walking, and cats. She loved her kitty cats! She was the neighborhood grandma and enjoyed watching the neighbor kids grow up and took delight in their accomplishments. She will be most remembered for the many cards and gifts she would give to friends and family to mark special occasions, as well as providing encouragement during difficult times.
Donna is survived by her daughter, LouAnne Gaalaas and her husband, Donald, of Red Wing; grandchildren, Becky Gaalaas of St. Paul, Libby Gaalaas and great-grandson, Tommy Kishida, of Duluth. She is also survived by Ray's children, who remained close to her: Paul (Sue) Rodewald, David (Linda) Rodewald, and Jane (Gene) Rietmann.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ross (1963-1988); and her special friend, Ray.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Mahn Family Funeral Homes, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and also for 1 hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fairview Red Wing Hospice, or “Norm's Cabin” at the Red Wing Health Center. Burial will be at St. Paul's UCC Cemetery in rural Ellsworth. Pallbearers will be Chris Bosshart, Don Gaalaas, Mark Janisch, Gene Rietmann, and Allen Risberg. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Larson.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to thank the bighearted staff of RWHC care unit 2 East, and RWHC Activities Department, Donene Gordon and Barbara VonHaaren of Hospice, Chaplain Lynne Rigg, Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff, Nurse Practitioner, Linnea Horvat and Dr. Marc Bettich at Fairview ER.
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