Donna Conzemius

The Mass of Christian Burial for Donna Conzemius will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Aaron Kuhn as celebrant. Friends may call on Friday at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena from 4:00-8:00p.m. with a Rosary at 5:00 and Parish Prayers at 6:00. Visitation will resume on Saturday, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. With her loving husband of 62 years by her side, Donna passed away at the age of 85, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, under the gentle care of Legacy Hospice. Donna Mae Brossoit was born on June 16, 1928, the twin daughter of George and Emma (Kleinwachter) Brossoit, in Thief River Falls, MN. Donna attended St. Bernard’s School, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1946. She attended University of Minnesota Duluth for one year, then returned home to work, at which time she was crowned Miss Thief River Falls 1948. She received her Associate of Arts Education degree from Moorhead State Teacher’s College in 1951. Donna was united in marriage with John C. Conzemius on June 30, 1951 in Thief River Falls. They made their life-time home in Wadena, where she taught in the Wadena School District. A proud disciple of Christ, Donna was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed numerous hobbies including painting, crafts and figure skating. Donna was active in many service and community events, including Christian Women, Christian Mothers, Catholic Order of Forresters and Relay for Life. Known for doing random acts of kindness, Donna enjoyed helping others and living in the same wonderful neighborhood for 62 years. She will be remembered as the head cheerleader for her career coach husband, children and grandchildren. Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, John; her three children, daughter Cathy (Thom) Peterson, Park Rapids, MN, son Tom (Laurie) Conzemius, Park Rapids, MN, and son Mark (Jeanie) Conzemius, Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren, Sara (Robb) Swanson, Katie (Paul) Johanning, Maria Conzemius, Joel Conzemius, Paul Conzemius, Anne Conzemius and Helen Conzemius; and three great grandchildren; twin brother, Don Brossoit, Rochster, MN and sister, Lorraine Waage, Wayzata, MN; and many life-long neighbors, special friends and family. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Alice (Truman) Hemmestvedt and Jean (Bob) Johnston; brother-in-law Donn Waage and sister-in-law, Rosemary Brossoit. Memorials preferred to Wadena County Relay for Life or Legacy Home Health & Hospice Services. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena.

Donna Conzemius

June 16, 1928 - December 3, 2013