Donna Mae Erstad-Roesler

Donna Mae Erstad-Roesler, was called home on March 19, 2024, at Madison, SD, the first day of spring, signifying a time of renewal, rebirth and new beginnings, just shy of 94 years old. Born to Erna (Junker) and Leopold Beyer on May 1, 1930, in Madison, SD. She was one of 10 children. She married her first husband, Alden (Al) Erstad, on Aug. 25,1950, (he died October 4, 1991), and her second husband, Paul Roesler, on June 18, 1995, (he died on June 26, 2022). Celebration of life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Madison with a reception to follow. 

Donna graduated from Ramona High School, married Al, and once her children started school, began working in 1969 as an office manager at the Dakota State College (now University) Physical Plant. She worked there for 23 years and left an indelible mark on staff. Donna was largely responsible for overseeing the day-to-day functions of the office. During her employment at DSC, she also took the opportunity to improve her professional and personal skills by taking classes such as cross-country skiing, golf, and computer science. She also obtained a license in residential real estate. 

Donna challenged herself and faced her fears when circumstances warranted it. Examples included repelling off a DSC building roof for a fundraiser, riding through rough waves on a catamaran off Hawaii, and joyfully dismissing her seasickness while deep-sea salmon fishing. She did these things despite her fear of heights and inability to swim. Donna was a wonderful cook who loved to entertain, and the family home was often the center of activity with large family gatherings during holidays and summertime. She was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Madison, where she did volunteer work and was active in Circle and the Altar Guild.

Donna is survived by her three children, Vicki (Tom) Kommes, Madison, Brian (Sue) Erstad, Tucson, AZ., and Pamela Erstad (Roger Thompson), Seattle, Washington, her younger sisters, Evelyn Erstad, Austin, Minnesota, Darlene Schoeberl, Madison. In addition, she is survived by five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, and two brothers, Art Beyer and her twin brother Donald, five sisters, Louise Beyer, Esther Popenhagen, Dorothy Nordland, Angeline Olson, Caroline Manthey. 

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