Donna Jean Winter-Ewert

Donna Jean Winter-Ewert, 93, of Georgetown, Texas, and former long-time resident of Mankato, died on May 31, 2019, at the Seton Medical Center, Round Rock, TX, following a brief illness. A private memorial service was held on June 11, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church of Georgetown, TX.

A celebration service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 31, 2022, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service and will continue immediately following. Private interment was held at Glenwood Cemetery. Mankato Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.

Donna was born December 29, 1925, in Owatonna, Minnesota. She was the youngest of four children born to George and Frieda (Kissner) Christensen. She attended Owatonna High School, where she was active in plays and musicals. She also served as art editor for the 1944 high school annual. She played cornet in band and orchestra, and sang in her church choir. Her special honors included “Best All-Around Sophomore Girl,” the “Junior Music Award,” and the “Senior DAR Good Citizen Award.”

Donna attended Hamline University for one year, before transferring to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. At the U. of M. she belonged to the Delta Phi Delta Art Sorority, the marching band, and the Wesley Foundation for Methodist students. Donna graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in art education in 1949. Later that year, she began teaching art at the junior and senior high schools in Bemidji, MN.

On July 21, 1951, she married her college sweetheart, Harold William (“Bill”) Winter, an educational psychologist. The newlyweds started their life together in Aurora, Illinois, before moving to Mankato in 1957. They had two children, Mark William and Heidi Jean. Donna was a homemaker during the years her children were growing up. She also enjoyed serving on various PTAs, as well as being a Cub Scout den mother and Camp Fire leader. In 1975, Donna began a career with the Minnesota Valley Regional Library, and for 16 years she held the position of Staff Artist. During that time she designed the Summer Reading Programs for the MVRL and the entire Traverse Des Sioux Library System in southern Minnesota.

Donna was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato, where she taught Sunday and Bible School, and participated in the Sanctuary and Bell Choirs, as well as in various commissions and circles. She also created artwork for the church, including banners, puppets, and wall murals. Donna taught art classes at a local facility for the developmentally disabled, and directed a senior chorus that performed at nursing facilities. She designed many logos and symbols, including the official flag of the City of Mankato, and also supplied illustrations for various books and publications.

Most of all, Donna loved cats—and cats loved her. In her home, she always kept one or two cats, which she considered loyal companions and family members. Donna also enjoyed working with many different crafts and listening to music, as well as playing trumpet (in the community band) and dulcimer (in the local dulcimer club). She was an avid bicyclist, participating in tours across Iowa and Hawaii, among others. Later in life she enjoyed traveling to multiple Elderhostels.

Donna was presented with the American Red Cross “Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action” in saving a human life (1986); the Exchange Club’s “Book of Golden Deeds Award” (2000); the “Minnesota Outstanding Senior Citizen” designation (2001); and Region 9 “Distinguished Service Award” for special service (2007).

Donna is survived by a son, Rev. Mark (and Cecilia) Winter, of Orlando, Florida; a daughter, Heidi (and Jim) Winter-Johnson, of Georgetown, Texas; several nieces and nephews; special grandchildren, Megan and Madeline Ewert, of Mankato; and her beloved cat, Billy. She was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, and both her husbands, Bill Winter and Gerald Ewert.

Memorials are preferred to the Blue Earth/Nicollet County Humane Society.