Donna Jellum

Donna Jellum, age 90, of Waseca, died Thursday morning, August 22, 2019 at Bridgewater of Janesville.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM on Monday, August 26, at Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca with Fr. Gregory Leif as Celebrant. Interment will be in Woodville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Sunday, August 25, at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ McRaith Chapel of Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
www.wasecafuneral.com
Donna Marie Jellum was born on March 27, 1929 in Mankato to Walter and Margaret (Simonett) Rohlfing. She grew up on a farm outside of Cleveland, Minnesota. Donna was a 1947 graduate of Cleveland High School. Following her education she attended Business School in Mankato. In 1950, Donna was united in marriage to Walter Jellum at Church of the Nativity in Cleveland. Together they lived in Rockford, Illinois for a few years before returning home to Minnesota and raising their family on a hobby farm in rural Waseca. Donna and Walter owned and operated Jellums Maid Rite for several years while living in Waseca. Donna also worked at Birds Eye, Brown Printing, E.F. Johnson, and Herters throughout her career. In retirement she enjoyed traveling with Walter all over the United States visiting relatives. She especially enjoyed wintering in Arizona. Donna and Walter shared 55 years of marriage before Walter passed away in 2005.
Donna was a devote Catholic and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca where she was active with the Catholic Daughters. Donna enjoyed cooking, canning, playing cards, and dancing. She also liked to entertain for holiday and family gatherings, especially her annual Labor Day party that she hosted on the farm. Donna loved children, besides raising seven children of her own, she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered as a humble mom who instilled the core values of life in each of her children. Blessed be her memory.
Donna is survived by her seven children: Carol (Dennis) Bartelt, Sherry (John) Richter, Pat (Kevin) Petersen, Joan (Greg) Dehn, Judy (Paul) Reger, Mark (Kari) Jellum, and Mike (Rachel) Jellum; 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Bill (Julie) Rohlfing; brother-in-law, Bob (Ruth) Jellum; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother and four sisters.