Donna A. (Darmody) Volgren
December 28, 1923 — October 3, 2012
Donna Ann (Darmody) Volgren, age 88 years and 9 months, passed away on October 3, 2012, three years to the day of her husband's Nels' passing. She died at the Willow Ridge Nursing Home in Amery, Wisconsin where she had resided for the last four months. She was born on December 28, 1923 in Rochester, Minnesota, to Elmer and Anastasia (Lanigan) Darmody.
As a child, Donna moved with her family many times. First, around southeastern Minnesota, and finally to northwestern Wisconsin. She graduated from Milltown High School in 1943. She then attended UW-Superior where she received her two year teaching certificate. Her first job was at East Balsam School, a one room school house. During an ice cream social there, she met the love of her life, Nels Volgren. They were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Centuria on December 1, 1945 - a marriage that would last 64 years.
Donna spent the next 27 years raising three sons and one daughter on their farm near Goose Lake. In addition to helping with the farm, she also was involved with Polk County 4-H and Goose Lake Homemakers. In 1972, she received her 4 year teaching degree from UW- River Falls. She used that degree to get a job with Head Start, first as a home based teacher, then as a bus driver and finally as a cook's helper. In all, she spent 20 years working there after raising her family.
Donna's interests ranged from sports to politics and family history. She was a huge fan of the Twins, Vikings, and Sid Hartman's Radio Shows. She kept up with politics on both the state and national levels. At the age of 75, she realized a life-long goal with a trip to Ireland, her ancestral home. During the last ten years she found a renewed interest in her family history and helped to organize several reunions. Finally, she loved her flowers and to watch the hummingbirds on her deck.
Donna leaves to celebrate her memory, her children, Rick (Thelma) Volgren of Balsam Lake, WI, Julie (Stan) Steuter of Elk River, MN, Dan (Renee) Volgren of Balsam Lake, WI, John Volgren of Balsam Lake, WI; 11 grandchildren, Jerry (Debbie) Volgren, Erik (Klare) Volgren, Jennifer (Matt) Wetzel, Brian Steuter, Sarah (Mike) Moran, Heidi (Jeremy) Laabs, Kari Peer, Ben Volgren, Megan Volgren, Matthew Volgren, Jack Volgren; 10 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Sydney, and Samantha Volgren, Madyson, Eli, and Ella Moran, Mason Peer, Lila and Lucy Laabs, Marcus Wetzel; sister, Barbara (Loran) Hoffman of Cushing, WI; sisters in law, Fern Darmody and Nancy Darmody; cousins, nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; twin sisters, Mary Josephine and Margaret Jacqueline; brothers, Robert, Pat, and Dave Darmody.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake Tuesday, October 9, 2012, with Pastor Diane Norstad officiating. Donna’s family will be greeting visitors from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Monday, October 8, 2012 at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria, and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Donna will be laid to rest in Volga Cemetery, Lincoln Township. Casket Bearers will be Jerry Volgren, Erik Volgren, Brian Steuter, Ben Volgren, Matt Wetzel, Mike Moran, Jeremy Laabs, Matthew Volgren, Jack Volgren.
To express condolences online, please visit www.kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com. The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.