Donna Reed

Donna Jean Reed lived her 85 years with a deep sense of purpose, guided by a generous heart. Whether she was caring for her family at home, helping neighbors, or supporting her community, Donna’s life was defined by how beautifully she showed up for others.

Donna was born on July 23, 1941, in Wadena, growing up learning the value of family on the farm with her parents, Floyd and Ida Harper, and her five siblings. She was just a teenager when she married the love of her life, Roger Reed, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 64 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered around family. Donna was always supportive, navigating life's twists and turns alongside Roger and keeping their family grounded.

Their adventures together eventually took them out to Washington state, but their roots brought them back home to Minnesota. Upon their return, Donna dedicated her time to helping others through her work, first at the hospital and later at Smith's System. Eventually, she made the heartfelt decision to step away from work to do what she loved most: stay home and cherish every moment with her grandchildren.

Donna was an incredible mother. She guided her children with unmatched wisdom and foresight, and when her family grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, her capacity to love only expanded.

If you knew Donna, you knew her dining room table was the heart of her home. It was where the competitive card games and dice matches happened, followed by endless hours of Yahtzee. You could always catch her hand-washing the dishes at the kitchen sink—a quiet task she cherished.

She also held a deep affection for her friends, holding them close to her heart and celebrating their lives with deep joy.

When Donna passed away, she did so peacefully. True to the way she lived her life, she was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Donna is survived by her four children: Ricky Reed of Milaca, Roxanne McFadzen of Brainerd, Rita Gerrard of St. Cloud, and Regina Heart of Onamia. She leaves a lasting legacy in her 11 grandchildren: Dita, Jacob, Jessica, Justin (Tanya), Jordon (Amy), Jermey (Jessica), Derek, Nicole, Stephanie, Sarah (Shane), and Amanda (Zachary), as well as her many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses: Phyllis, Dennis (Darlene), Lloyd, Suzzy, and Joe.

She has now been peacefully reunited with those who preceded her in death: her parents, Floyd and Ida; her husband, Roger; her sons, Baby Russell and Randy; her grandson Seth, and her siblings and their spouses: Gary, Sandy, Miles, and Marla.

Donna served well, loved completely, and left our world a much warmer place. Her humor and her laughter will stay with us forever.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 at 1 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milaca.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.