Donna Faye Finch

Donna Faye Finch, 83 of Red Wing, died Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Red Wing Health Center. Donna was born on September 22, 1928 in Grange Hall Township, Wisconsin, the daughter of August and Helen (Coulson) Ferber. She grew up in the Ellsworth area and graduated from Ellsworth High School. She worked as a nurse's aide at St. John's Hospital in Red Wing. She married Willard Finch in 1951 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. They later divorced in 1967. Donna had a special friend and companion in Ray Rodewald and his family became her family. They enjoyed Old Time Music and dancing. Donna worked as a Dietary Aide at St. John's Hospital for 21 years. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Quilting Circles of St. Paul's and Concordia Lutheran Church. She was a Brownie Scout Troop Leader at the Jefferson School. She was a member of Pocahontas, and a past Pocahontas. Donna enjoyed sewing crafts, reading, walking, and cats. She loved her kitty cats! She was the neighborhood grandma and enjoyed watching the neighbor kids grow up and took delight in their accomplishments. She will be most remembered for the many cards and gifts she would give to friends and family to mark special occasions, as well as providing encouragement during difficult times.

Donna is survived by her daughter, LouAnne Gaalaas and her husband Donald of Red Wing; grandchildren, Becky Gaalaas of St. Paul, Libby Gaalaas and great-grandson, Tommy Kishida of Duluth. She is also survived by Ray's children, who remained close to her: Paul (Sue) Rodewald, David (Linda) Rodewald and Jane (Gene) Rietmann. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Ross (1963-1988), and her special friend, Ray.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 29, 2012 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 28 at Mahn Family Funeral Homes, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and also for one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fairview Red Wing Hospice, or "Norm's Cabin" at the Red Wing Health Center. Burial will be at St. Paul's UCC Cemetery in rural Ellsworth. Pallbearers will be Chris Bosshart, Don Gaalaas, Mark Janisch, Gene Rietmann and Allen Risberg. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Larson. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank the bighearted staff of RWHC care unit 2 East, and RWHC Activities Department, Donene Gordon and Barbara VonHaaren of Hospice, Chaplain Lynne Rigg, Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff, Nurse Practitioner, Linnea Horvat and Dr. Marc Bettich at Fairview ER.

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Visitation

MAR 28. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel
602 Plum Street P.O. Box 111
Red Wing, MN 55066

Visitation

MAR 29. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

St. Paul's Lutheran Church-Red Wing
320 West Ave
Red Wing, MN 55066

Service

MAR 29. 11:00 AM (CDT)

St. Paul's Lutheran Church-Red Wing
320 West Ave
Red Wing, MN 55066