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SLEEPY EYE--Donna Brinkman left this earth peacefully with grace and dignity on October 6 at the Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center in Sleepy Eye, MN with her family by her side. Donna was a dedicated wife, mother, grandparent, and great-grandparent.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with Christian Mothers Rosary at 10:00 a.m. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Sam Perez. 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 Dieltz was born October 26, 1930, in Somerset, Wisconsin to Harry and Grace (Hecht) Dieltz. Donna was the oldest of three children; she had two younger brothers. Donna graduated from Somerset High School in 1948. It was during her high school years that she met Don Brinkman. Don and Donna were married on May 24, 1952, and were united in marriage for nearly 75 years.
Don and Donna moved to Denver, CO while Don was stationed in the Air Force and it was there, they welcomed sons Daniel and David. After the military, the family moved so that Don could complete chiropractic school. After his graduation, they settled in Sleepy Eye and son Dean joined their family of five.
Donna relished being a full-time stay at home mother. She found great joy singing to her boys, telling bedtime stories and providing the greatest childhood imaginable. She led by example showing love, dedication, and the importance of family. Donna's outside interests included ceramics, painting and antiquing; she had an excellent eye for treasures. Donna was also a Cub Scout Den Mother, served as an election judge for many years, volunteered at the local thrift store and helped with the St Mary's Recall. Family trips were important and Donna travelled to many places with Don and her boys. Some of her favorites included travels internationally with Road Scholars Elderhostel.
Donna is survived by son, Daniel (Vicki) of New Ulm; daughter-in-law, Sandy Brinkman of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Nicole Brinkman (Chad Gentz), Alexandra Brinkman (fiancé Brandon Bode), Deonna (Zach) White, and Carter Brinkman (significant other Emma Carpenter); great-grandson, Liam Gentz; sister-in-law, Betty Harstad of New Richmond, WI; and sister-in-law, Marianne Dieltz of Wisconsin;
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Dr. Don Brinkman; two sons, David Brinkman and Dr. Dean Brinkman; father and mother-in-law, Harry and Kate Brinkman; her two brothers, Earl Wayne and Bucco Dieltz; and other relatives.
We take great comfort that Donna has left our hands to return to those loved ones who have been waiting to embrace her.