Donna Marie Hiller

Donna M. Hiller, age 85, of Good Thunder, died Monday, September 12, 2022 at the Mapleton Community Home following a 13 year struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Good Thunder.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church and will continue one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Good Thunder.  Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Donna was born at home on the farm near Granada, MN on February 14, 1937, to Henry and Laura (Wannarka) Fritz. She was a Valentine’s baby and was proud of it.  She was the youngest of five siblings. She had three older brothers that she always said needed her to be the fourth when playing catch.  She was baptized and received her First Communion at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, MN.  She attended country school near Imogene, MN, walking two miles to and from.  Her family then moved to Sterling Center, MN around 1947 and she attended country school there until 8^th grade.  Her comment was that she was the fastest runner at her school.  She was confirmed at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Mapleton.  She attended high school in Amboy, MN until the end of her junior year when her family purchased a farm outside of Mapleton.  She finished her senior year and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1955.  After high school, she moved to St. Louis Park and lived with a family as a housekeeper and nanny while attending the Gale Institute.  Then in late summer, she took the civil service test and she along with a friend moved to Arlington, Virginia, and was assigned a clerical job at the Navy Annex near the Pentagon.  She moved back to Minnesota, after some persuasion from a young man named, Royce Hiller, who was smitten with her.  She then lived in Mankato in an apartment with girlfriends and worked at the Dotson Foundry and started her career at the Social Security Administration Office in Mankato.  Donna and Royce were united in marriage on January 2, 1961, and moved to their Good Thunder farm where they lived for 61 years. She was a supportive farm wife while helping raise their two children. Royce and Donna were sweethearts for life.  Through all the years dealing with her battle, she was comforted by his companionship, love, devotion, and support. He made it possible for her to be home until her last two weeks.

Family meant everything to Donna, she was the most patient wife, awesome mom, caring daughter and sister, and loving grandma.  Her faith in God was her strength.  Donna was a devout Catholic her entire life.  Besides attending church faithfully, she was involved with teaching religion classes, was a CCW member and officer, decorating and environment committee, confirmation sponsor, restoring church cupboards, and later in life attended Mass every Tuesday with her church ladies. 

Donna loved social gatherings, reunions, and many friend groups, especially her Red Hat ladies.  She was a very talented seamstress, crafter, and a fantastic cook.  She was famous for her peach pies and brownies.  She also had the best penmanship.  She absolutely loved watching family who were involved in sports. She spent countless hours at ball fields and auditoriums.  It started with her brothers, children and then grandchildren. 

Donna was kind and generous.  She was a beautiful person with a humble, quiet personality and a wonderful smile.  She never stopped doing good things for others.  She leaves behind so many precious memories that show us how one life can truly make a difference.  She will live in the hearts of all whose lives she has touched. 

Donna is survived by her husband, Royce; daughter, Cassie (Jay) Winters; son, Kyle Hiller; grandchildren, Brett (Heather) Winters, Ross Winters and special friend, Adina, Payton Hiller, Parker Hiller, and Piper Hiller; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Tate Winters; and brothers, Marvin Fritz and Larry Fritz.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lucille (Syd) Billingsley; brother, Leonard Fritz; and sister-in-law, Neva Fritz. 

Donna leaves a family and friends who will forever love her.  She will be deeply missed by us all.  As she would end every phone call, “Bye now.”

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.