Donna was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota and adopted by Grace and Donald Hollo. She grew up in small town rural areas and had many pets, including a dog, cat and horse. In her late teens they moved to Willmar, where she graduated from high school in 1950 and met her husband Marlow. A graduate of Hamline University, she worked as a Registered Nurse for 44 years.
In her spare time, she volunteered for her children’s scouting, musical, theatrical and sports activities. Donna loved to play Bridge, Scrabble and Cribbage. She enjoyed traveling and loved taking her grandkids to the State Fair.
Donna is survived by her sons Mark & John Rudningen, daughters Mary Carson (George) and Nancy Benavente, grandchildren Michael, Bethany, Matthew, Alex, Chelsea, Kelsey, Peter, Natalie, Chloe and 7 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son Michael, husband Marlow, and daughter in law Viveca.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm March 21, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Humane Society.
