Donna Baerwaldt

Donna Baerwaldt, age 89, of Ortonville, died Friday November 6, at Essentia Health Grace Home in Graceville.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is required, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting will be viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Donna Mae (Tate) Baerwaldt was born on August 19, 1931, in Big Stone County, MN, to Alvie and Elsie (Anderson) Tate. She grew up in the Beardsley, MN, area and moved to Ortonville in 1957.

On May 10, 1953, Donna was united in marriage with Morris “Bud” Baerwaldt in Beardsley. The couple lived in various places around Ortonville and Big Stone City.

Donna worked as a secretary for Kiernat’s TV and Appliance for a few years until she and Bud opened and operated Mr. Bud’s Pizza from 1972 to 1982. She worked for Saputo Cheese from 1982 until she retired in 2012. Donna moved into Grace Home in August of 2019 when her health no longer allowed her to live in her home.

Donna was very active in the communities where she lived. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville. She taught Sunday School for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was also Chairman of the local Mental Health Organization.

In her free time, Donna loved dogs and taking her dogs for walks around her neighborhood. She also loved doing yard work and took pride in having her yard look nice. Donna drove motorcycles in her mid-40’s. She also milked goats in the late 1970’s.

Donna is survived by her sons: Robin (Violet) Baerwaldt of Big Stone City, SD; Randy (Deb) Baerwaldt of Bowling Green, OH; and Brian Baerwaldt of Ortonville, MN; grandchildren: Leslie (Rosie) Baerwaldt, Marissa (Eric) Croatt, Megan (Keinen) Bousquet, Keegan Stock, Caitlin Stock, Bryn (Kelsey) Stock, Jessica Baerwaldt, Amanda (Eric) Czerwinski, and Kari Baerwaldt; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Cathy) Tate; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Bud, in 1993; daughter, Valerie; her parents; and infant sister, Jeanette.