Donna Mae Amelia Reishus

Donna Mae Amelia Larson Reishus passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the age of 99. She was born on June 29, 1924 in Cottonwood, MN. She married her high school sweetheart, Dale Reishus in 1945, while he was in the Navy. They settled back in Cottonwood, where he started a construction business. Donna Mae was very active in the community, especially Christ Lutheran Church, where she was involved in women’s ministries, children’s ministries, and mentoring many young women in their Christian faith. They raised three children, Allan, Becky and David.

In 1985, they moved to Lisle, Illinois near Dale’s two brothers. They were charter members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Naperville, Illinois, and made many lasting friendships there. Several years after Dale passed away, she moved back to Minnesota to be near her children. She enjoyed being a part of the River Oaks/Benedictine Senior community in Anoka, where she became the "Welcome Wagon" lady for each new resident. She loved to play Bridge and Rummikub, entertain in her home, write letters, attend Bible Studies, and spend time with family. She loved being published and made that happen many times! Her lasting legacy will be with the many, many people with whom she shared the love of Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale and her son David. Donna Mae is survived by her children Allan (Connie Thain) of Craig, CO, Becky (Tim) Johnson of Ham Lake, MN, and Sheryl Reishus of Mahtomedi, MN. She has six grandchildren, Anna Som (Nick) of McKinleyville, CA, Dustin Reishus of Sunnyvale, CA, Kate (John) deGruyter of Oakton, VA, Sarah Johnson of Ramsey, MN, Kyle (Andrea) Reishus of Lake Elmo, MN, and Alec Reishus of Mahtomedi, MN. She has five great-grandchildren, Mary Ann, Amara and Anthony Som, Isaac deGruyter, Bodie Reishus. She is also survived by Dale’s two brothers, Marlin Reishus and Gene (Kay) Reishus of Naperville, Illinois and sister-in-law, Toni Larson of Encinitas, CA.

Donna Mae’s funeral will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 11115 Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN on Thursday, September 14 with visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00am, and luncheon to follow. Interment will be at a later date in Cottonwood, MN.

Memorials may be given to Feed My Starving Children, Coon Rapids or Christ Lutheran Church, Cottonwood, MN.