Donna J. Arends

Donna Jeanne Arends was born November 14, 1928, to Albert and Agnes Wavrin Meixner in Owatonna. She grew up in Owatonna and graduated from Owatonna High School. Donna worked at the SCS office in Owatonna, for 3M in Minneapolis, and spent a summer working in Yellowstone National Park. On April 27, 1957, she was united in marriage to Carroll Arends in Owatonna. The couple moved to rural Glenville in 1958 and then to Albert Lea 3½ years ago. Donna was a member of the Round Prairie Lutheran Church, the Tabitha Circle, the Parish prayer group, and the church quilting group. She was a former 4-H leader and was an active member of the WFLA lodge in Owatonna. Donna enjoyed sewing, hiking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family. Survivors include her husband, Carroll of Albert Lea; children, Keith Arends of Tucson, AZ, and Jodi Arends Wild of Byron; grandchildren, Elizabeth Arends Wild and Katherine Jeanne Wild, both of Byron; brothers, Marvin and wife, Beverly Meixner and Robert and wife, Sharon Meixner, all of Owatonna; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Honorary grandchildren, Justin Sorum, Summer Sorum, Adam Sorum, Ashley Sorum, Faith Sorum, Steven Lewis, and Kevin Lewis. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Shelli.