Agnes McDonnell

Agnes McDonnell, 85, of Graceville, died on April 3, 2013 in Minneapolis, MN. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 6, at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Visitation will be held at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home of Graceville on Friday evening, April 5, from 5 -7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. and continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Agnes Vera McDonnell was born to George and Ludonica "Louise" (Wengelewski) Zych on September 23, 1927 in Beardsley, Minnesota. She attended school in a one room schoolhouse, later attending and graduating from Beardsley High School. Moving to Chicago, she completed her nursing degree from Little Company of Mary and completed intensive training at Cook County Hospital. Agnes became an Army Nurse and traveled the world. Upon discharge she returned home, met and married Charles McDonnell, and they settled into farm life near Graceville where they raised their four children.

Agnes was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville and was devoted to her faith. She had great empathy for the poor and needy children in the world and donated to such causes throughout her lifetime. Agnes valued nature and her home, her garden and the wildlife that lived near her. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family, who will remember her beautiful soul in their every day simple acts. Agnes lived a wonderful life and the memories she created will cheer and comfort her children and grandchildren in the years to come.

Agnes is loved and cherished by her daughters: Marie (Richard) Thorpe of Edina, MN; Joan (Stephen) Kane of Minnetonka, MN; and Elaine "Lana" McDonnell of St. Louis Park, MN; her grandchildren: Henry and John Thorpe; Charlie, Benjamin, and William Kane; Austin, Colin, Nicholas, and Olivia McDonnell; Clayton Chessen; and Richard and Olga Anderson; her siblings: Stanley Zych and Mary Rothenbacher; and nieces and nephews. She had many long time friends including Lucille Hammerstein, Nancy Murphy, Addie Taffe, and Mary Connelly.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and George Zych; her husband, Charles McDonnell; her siblings: John Zych, Ann Orlicki, and Henry Zych; and her son, Steven McDonnell.