Donna Rita Merkel

Donna Rita Merkel, 83, passed away in the comfort of her home on June 23, 2022. Donna was finally able to once again join the love of her life, Paul. May she finally find happiness in the comfort of his arms again.

Donna was born in Lake City, Minn., on June 28, 1938, to Fred and Agnes (Megears) Linaman. Donna was one of the two sets of twins in her family. She grew up in a big family with seven other siblings. Her family moved around while she was growing up, but stayed in the Spring Valley area.

Donna was united in marriage to Paul Merkel on November 17, 1956. The couple started their life together on their family farm that they purchased outside of Spring Valley. The couple had four children together: John, Kay, Michael, and Robert. She enjoyed raising her family there and made many great memories with them.

Donna enjoyed the simple things in life. She had everything she needed and wanted right at home. This quality was perhaps her biggest gift she had given her family. Donna helped Paul do what needed to be done on the farm while raising her children. She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis (for 37 years), but that never slowed her down. She was strong and always pushed through getting the task at hand done and she enjoyed doing it. Donna also loved to cook and do embroidery. And in her spare time she loved to play cards and attend card parties with her friends and husband. Donna enjoyed “catching” Paul in one of his jokes he always tried to pull on her that never really went as he planned. Or, as she would’ve said it, “You better believe it!” There were always laughs to be had. As time went on, Donna also enjoyed spending time and making memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a heart of gold and it was big. She had enough love for all of them.

Donna is survived by her fourchildren: John Merkel of Spring Valley, Kay (Leonard) Radtke of Spring Valley, Michael (Michelle) Merkel of Rochester, and Robert (Dawn) Merkel of Ostrander; five granddaughters, six grandsons and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Jim Linaman, many nieces and nephews and her “baby” Rosie.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul and dog Porkchop, as well as her parents and six siblings, including her twin brother, Donald. May she find peace and happiness with them all again.

A memorial service for Donna will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at First English Lutheran Church in Spring Valley with Pastor Loel Wessel officiating. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., on Wednesday following the service. Visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m. at the church prior to the start of the service. 

Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.