Donna Rae Harstad

She was born and raised in Le Mars, Iowa on December 28th, 1939. Her mother, Constance “Connie,” and father, Eugene “Joe” Cockrell, raised her in a loving household. The eldest of three children, she had a very close relationship with her younger siblings, Norm Cockrell and Beverly Leslie. Valedictorian and Home Coming Queen of her senior class, Donna received a scholarship to nursing school, a career she enjoyed in between raising a family. A devoted Catholic, Donna was known by her many friends and family as a thoughtful, warm, caring, beautiful person, inside and out, a great storyteller, with a wonderful sense of humor.

Most of all, she was devoted to her husband, Charles “Chuck” and the family they created. She was an incredible mother to her three children, a dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother. Donna was ever supportive, always available with a kind word, a warm hug, or a heart-felt card. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband Chuck, her brother Norm and sister Bev, her son Jeff, and nephew, Chris Cockrell.

She is survived by her daughter Kelly Harstad, Hudson, WI, and son Curt (Stacey), Vancouver, WA, along with five grandchildren - Nicole (Tyler), Joshua, Allison (Jarod), Katelyn, and Eric, as well as 4 great-grandchildren (Lincoln, Odin, Jackson, and Jameson).

A Celebration of Life will be held September 27th at 1 PM at Wulff Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Association of America) or Both Hands.