Donna Mae Whelan

Donna Mae (Wilson) Whelan, (91) born May 19, 1933, in Milwaukee, WI is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Whelan Jr., and daughter, Kristine Kay Whelan. She passed away into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ, on the morning of October 25, 2024.

As an executive secretary for Hormel’s, she had the opportunity to meet the Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie. Years later she worked as a dispatcher at the police station for nearly three decades.

To say that Donna was a loving and faithful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother is an understatement. She always went that extra mile for her family and friends. The children’s friends, so taken by her, returned that love by doing things such as shoveling the snow, or making sure she got hearing aids, when she tried to avoid the issue. Her daughter Sue faithfully looked after her for several years and, in the end, was her caregiver.

She maintained a positive attitude; the glass was always half full. In fact, whenever she got lost, she would say that we were simply on an adventure! She never spoke ill of others, but rather, had an open heart, and home; fully prepared with homemade cookies, fudge and brownies for visitors and most anyone who would knock on her door. Her roast beef, sweet dill pickles, and Whelan casserole were the talk of the town! She was kind and generous to everybody she met.

Donna had a great sense of humor and loved doing puzzles. She was a faithful fan of the Vikings and Twins, and was also a serious adversary in scrabble, rummy and cribbage. She hated winter and wouldn’t hesitate to remind us that there were only two seasons in Minnesota: winter and road construction. 

For years she volunteered at the Cedar Valley Conservation Club, and helped manage the Midwestern Annual Competitions. She handled a shotgun with ease and was a good shot. 

Her granddaughter Amanda and family took her to see the Twins at Target Field in 2017; an item that was near the top of her bucket list. She was thrilled and talked about it often.

She is survived by her children, Vicki (Don) of Honolulu HI, Dean (Nancy) of Austin, MN, Sue (Whelan) Hardenburg of Austin, MN, and Rae Ann Johnson of Sanford FL. Her grandchildren are Heather (Brad) Wirth of Kasson, MN, Amanda (John) Wambach of St. Paul, MN, Abigail (Alistair) Forman of Raleigh, NC, Michelle Whelan of Raleigh, NC, and Jacob (Shenae) Whelan of Andover, MN. The great-grandchildren include, Dillon St. Sauver (22), Will St. Sauver (19), Robby St. Sauver (19), Xavier Wombach (18), Madi Wirth (14), Alexander Forman (3), Aiden Forman (2), Ezri Forman (8 months), Josiah Whelan (4 months). It was to her great joy that she was able to hold both Ezri and Josiah in her arms before she passed away.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home of Austin.