Donna May Gehrking, age 54, of Spring Valley, Minn., died in the comfort of her home on December 31, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Donna was born and raised in Spring Valley, Minn., and moved to Rochester in 1987 where she started her 32-year career at St. Marys Hospital – Mayo Clinic as a pharmacy technician, she was proud to serve as treasurer for Sumner Township and she enjoyed her time serving as a local election judge. She is survived by her husband Phil Miland, her daughter Samantha (Dominic) Rossi, grandchildren Louis and Marilyn; her mother, Marilyn Gehrking; siblings Mike (Julane) Gehrking, Linda (Jesse Herrboldt) Gehrking, Sandra Antablian, and Sherry Gehrking; nieces and nephews Brandon and Justin Mortrud, Jessica Vasser, Marly and Amy Gehrking, and Elizabeth and Michael Antablian; great-nephew Cole Adkins and her Godson, Corey Merkel. She is preceded in death by her father, Maynard Gehrking.
Donna was a caring and strong willed individual full of zest for life. She would always put a smile on your face with her contagious laughter and sense of humor. Donna will be remembered for her passion for the outdoors, gardening, fossil hunting, her enthusiasm for farm life and most of all the love she had for her family and friends. She was a breath of fresh air and lived a free-spirited vivacious life. Although God took her too soon, we know she is at peace and looking down on those she loved so deeply.
A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th Street SE, Rochester, Minn. Funeral service Thursday, 1 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 217 W. Grant St., Spring Valley, Minn. Interment to follow at Washington Cemetery, Spring Valley, Minn.
Donna’s family cannot thank Mayo Hospice enough for all the kindness and compassion they gave to Donna and her family over the past year. Memorial donations may be made to Mayo Clinic Hospice, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minn. 55905 would be greatly appreciated.