SLEEPY EYE–Donna Marie Haala passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2025, with all of her children by her side. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. A memorial service will follow at the church at 11:00 am. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Donna was born to her parents, Hillarius and Veronica Ludewig, on October 4, 1933. She attended St. Mary’s School in Sleepy Eye, MN and was raised in rural Leavenworth Township. Shortly after school, she met the love of her life, Vernard Haala Sr., and they married on August 3, 1953. The two of them would tend to the Haala family farm for the rest of their days, where they raised their seven children and many animals, crops, and gardens.

Mom enjoyed the simple things life had to offer like country views, sounds of the river, and the smells of her fresh chicken noodle soup. She worked alongside Dad on their beautiful farm, helping keep the grass tidy, vegetables growing, and animals fed. Meanwhile inside the house, she would carry babies while she cooked so diligently; she was a natural in the kitchen especially her family’s favorite, Essig kraut and dumplings. Together, Mom and Dad enjoyed sewing blankets for the grandkids and taking “joy rides” through the countryside; they were a team through and through.

Mom lived her life caring for her family. She never ended a visit without saying, “come again.” She embraced the grandkids with her gentle touch and half smile. Mom’s sense of humor and quick wit will be forever cherished by her family; she was funny, kind, and a bright light to us all. Her greatest gift to us was her acts of service towards her family, she loved loving her people.

While we grieve Mom’s earthly death, we rejoice with her as she joins Dad in Heaven. Every day for the last 3.5 years, she has asked, “Where’s Dad?” It brings peace knowing they are together once again.

Donna is survived her children, Jeanne Helget and her children Nicole, Nancy, Natalie, Nola, Nevada, Neah; Janice (Herb) Veigel and her children, Justin, Lindsay; Vernard (Cindy) Haala Jr. and their children, Brent, Derrick, Clint; Joleen (Jim) Welsch and their children Chad, Jennifer; Jay Haala; Jeff Haala; and Jill (Eugene) Sellner and their children Megan, Jaden; along with grandchildren’s spouses, and many great and great-great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Delores Spaeth. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernard Haala Sr.; her parents; her five brothers; son-in-law, Donald Veigel; and many brother and sister in-laws.

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