‹ ‹ Return to Current Obituaries

Cover photo for Donna Lou Nordgren's Obituary

Donna Lou Nordgren

Name: Visitation
Start: 01/14/2017 11:00 AM
End: 01/14/2017 01:00 PM
Location: Mankato Mortuary

October 12, 1925 — December 29, 2016

Share

Send a Sympathy Card

Past Services

Visitation

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary

Saturday, January 14, 2017

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Central time)

View Details

Celebration of Life

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary

Saturday, January 14, 2017

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

View Details

Donna Lou Nordgren

Donna Lou (Charles) Nordgren passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 29, 2016, after spending a day surrounded by her children and husband. Donna Nordgren was born October 12, 1925 to Emanuel and Dolores (Page) Charles in Mankato. She was proud of being born and growing up in North Mankato spending a lot of time at her grandma’s business, Page’s Bakery and Delicatessen on Belgrade. Donna was educated in North Mankato/Mankato Public schools, graduating from Mankato High School in 1943 and continuing her education at Mankato Teachers College, from 1943-45. In June of 1945, she went to Washington D.C. to work in the office of the Secretary of the Treasury as help was needed during the war. She returned to Minnesota at the end of World War II, and went to work for the Vice President of the Minnesota Valley Canning Company later known as Green Giant in Le Sueur, MN.

Donna married her high school sweetheart, Lee Nordgren on June 22, 1946. They opened Artcraft Camera Shop in conjunction with Lee’s father’s photofinishing lab. Donna and Lee raised 5 children. She was active in school and community organizations while their children attended school including being President of Washington School PTA. Donna served on the YWCA Board of Directors and was Board President from 1972 -74, as well as a long time member of Chapter DA of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and was President from 1980-1982. Donna was Secretary of the Christian Day Care Center Board and the YWCA Board of Trustees and received the Youth Leadership Award for 10 years of service to youth and the YWCA. While her children were involved with youth organizations, she was a volunteer adult leader for Cub and Boy Scouts, Bluebirds and Campfire Girls and a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer. Donna was very supportive of her children and their activities.

In 1980, Donna joined her husband, Lee, in the family business, Artcraft Camera Shop and Photography. They continued running the businesses together until it was sold in 1995. Donna kept herself active in retirement by becoming a proud volunteer in 1998 through 2005 with the Foster Grandparent Program working in first and second grades at Franklin Elementary School to assist the children. In 2013, she was recognized by the YWCA for her contributions in recognizing women who are leaders in the community. Donna was instrumental in launching the first YWCA Leader Dinner awards banquet that has now become the annual YWCA Women of Distinction awards event.

Donna taught her children many important life lessons along the way that they carry with them to this day. She urged her children to be good to others, take interest in the life around you, pitch in, and try hard to always do your best in life. She was a great homemaker, cook, baker, flower gardener, decorator, and caregiver for many family members. You could always count on Donna to be there. She held both her immediate and extended family close throughout her life – engaging in many family gatherings such as the weekly Saturday lunch bunch that started in 1951 after the Mankato flood and continues to this day – her last lunch bunch being just a few weeks ago. There were many wonderful family celebrations over the years - because family was important and necessary to a complete and happy life. She also loved her time with many wonderful friends.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Lee Nordgren; their 5 children, Brad Nordgren of Medina, Lynn Nordgren of Minneapolis, Lori Krueger of Mankato, Bruce (Sara) Nordgren of Mequon WI, and Kris Nordgren (Dave Fritz) of Mankato; “adopted” son, Sam (Shymal) and Mary Roy of Mankato and their children Anjon Roy, and Anthony (Amanda) Roy; sister-in-law, Jane (Dave) Schostag of Mankato; seven grandchildren, Nate Nordgren, Khara (Saul) Baumann, Paige (Aaron) Manlove, Ben (Katie) Krueger, Kelly Nordgren, Kristofor Nordgren, and Keefe Nordgren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; cousins, Rich (Carol) O’Brien, Marcia Richards, Kay (Lyle) Jacobson all of Mankato; and their beloved cat, Charley.

She was preceded in death by father, Emanuel Charles; mother, Dolores Charles Papke; step-father, Martin Papke; sister, Sharon Klaverkamp; special aunts and uncles, Evelyn (Babe) and Chuck Pennington, and Mildred and Cecil Jones; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Peggy and Dean Lowe; nephews, Mark Lowe and Greg Klaverkamp; brother-in-law, Ensign Jon Nordgren; infant grandson, Nathan Lee Nordgren; and many other aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be given to Mount Olivet Cemetery, YWCA, or donor’s choice.

Celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary led by Funeral Celebrant Brittany Renberg. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at Northview. Graveside service will take place at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Mankato.

Send a Sympathy Card