1933 – Donna Mae (Holden) Hegstad – 2016
Donna Mae Holden was born February 7, 1933, in Graceville, Minnesota to Edward and Elizabeth (Schwagel) Holden. Donna’s family moved to Lake Benton, Minnesota where her parents operated a Red Owl grocery store until 1948. They moved to Slayton, Minnesota when she was 15 years old. It was there that she met the “love of her life”; Thomas Hegstad. After high school, Donna moved to Mitchell, South Dakota to attend Northwest Institute of Medical Technology. Upon graduating, she found a job and continued to live there. Donna married Thomas Hegstad on January 31, 1953, in Slayton, Minnesota, while Tom was enlisted in the Navy. Donna stayed in Slayton while Tom returned to his ship. After the birth of their first child, Donna, with the baby in tow, joined Tom in San Diego where he was currently based. After the Navy, they moved to Minneapolis, where she worked and raised their children while Tom began his journey through medical school at the University of Minnesota. In 1963, Donna and her family moved to Windom, Minnesota where Tom began his practice in family medicine. In 1979, they moved to Alexandria, Minnesota where Donna volunteered at Knute Nelson Nursing Home and later assisted Tom at Brandon Medical Clinic. Donna’s faith was very important to her. She attended St. Mary’s and St. John Nepomuk Church. Donna reflected her faith by being a tireless advocate for the unborn. She and Tom were active in the Pro-Life movement for many years. Most important to Donna was Tom, her children and grandchildren. While the kids were young, she attended countless concerts, sporting events and school activities. She was a devoted fan. Donna enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, working on crossword puzzles, reading, baking and eating at her favorite restaurant, Angelina’s. She was an excellent baker with her claim to fame being her delicious Special K bars. Donna enjoyed traveling. She and Tom visited Ireland, Italy, and the Holy Land. She even made two solo trips to Medjugorje. On November 5, 2016, Donna passed away at the age of 83.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers and two sisters. Donna is survived by her four daughters: Cynthia Lundeen, Alexandria, MN, Rebecca (Peter) Davies, St. Anthony, MN, Cheryl Maki, St. Anthony and Ramona (Chris) Benson, Iowa City, IA; seven grandchildren: Samantha Maki, Mathew Maki, William Benson, Eleanor Benson, Clara Benson, Joshua Davies, and Brendan Davies.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld was the celebrant. Interment followed in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net
