Donna Friedlein

Donna Mae Friedlein, 90, of Willmar, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, January 12th.

Donna was born March 29, 1931, in Pennock, the daughter of Chester and Mae (Carlson) Magnuson.  She grew up on the farm and graduated from Willmar High School in 1949. 

On September 16, 1950, Donna was united in marriage to Donald Friedlein at Salem Covenant Church.  In October of 1950, Don entered the United States Army and they lived at Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, CO.  When Don was sent to Alaska, Donna remained in Colorado until Don was discharged in 1952.

Upon his return, they lived in Kerkhoven and Pennock before moving to Willmar.  Donna was employed by Kerkhoven schools, and then as a bookkeeper for Youth for Christ for over 40 years. 

One of the many gifts God gave her was the gift of hospitality! She was always busy in the kitchen making something for her family, friends in need, or when someone would stop by! Even in her last weeks of life, she would offer coffee when someone came to visit! Donna and Don had huge hearts for kids and their impact was far-reaching. They volunteered as youth leaders at Salem Covenant Church. Donna was also involved in the choir, Covenant Women, and served as a Deaconess, SS Teacher, and in the Prayer ministry.  According to her boys, she seemed to be at the church whenever the doors were open, and was one of the last people to leave (to the chagrin of her boys.)