PLEASE ACCEPT BELATED SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS. I became very attached to your family over the years. Donna and I had a great bond; especially our love of horses. May you find peace knowing she is in a “better” place with Denny, her father and brother.
Donna B. Lehto
October 26, 1931 – November 1, 2014
A celebration of the life of Donna B. Lehto will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in Clearwater. Donna passed peacefully at home with family members by her side.
Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Funeral Home in Clearwater.
Donna was born and raised in Crosby, Minnesota, to Oliver and Geraldine (Worrell) Knudson. She attended junior college and worked as a reporter for the Mesabi Daily News in Virginia. Later, she worked as a Nurses Aide at the Elbow Lake Hospital and the nursing home in Evansville.
A free spirit who loved the outdoors, she was an avid horsewoman and a lover and defender of all creatures, great and small.
Donna married Dennis I. Lehto on Dec. 29, 1951, in Eveleth. They lived in Evansville for 22 years and then moved to Clearwater, where he taught Adult Vocational Agriculture at St. Cloud Area Vocational Technical Institute.
Survivors include children Gail Knudtson of Holt, Michigan; Dana and his wife Molinda of St. Cloud, and Melissa and husband Ralph Halvorson of Lakeville; seven grandchildren – Joren (John) Fabiano, Kris Knudtson, Lexi, Logan & Chad Halvorson, Sarah Lehto, and Candi (Bill) Quallie; six great-grandchildren – Aubrey, Dominic, Richard, Savana, Dacotah and Lincoln; and nephew Steve Knudson and his wife Jane of Brookings, Oregon.
She also leaves in the family’s care her beloved dogs, Ivory and Diva.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a charitable donation in Donna’s name may visit the Alzheimer’s Association/Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter at alz.org/donate (800.272.3900) or St. Cloud Hospital Hospice at centracare.com/foundation (320-257-0699).
Guestbook
Thanks to everyone who posted comments and offered stories and sympathy in other ways. Mom is at peace now.
My sympathy to Donna’s family in your loss. I first met Donna at a national ag teachers convention back in the 1970s. My husband, Dave, taught high school ag in SD and was an officer in the SD association. We met up at many conventions and later when we moved to MN, at district meetings. I remember that she was an avid horse lover and I am thinking she was provided a loving home to a daschund at one time. Dave and Denny had a wild fishing trip up north one time when the boat trailer came loose and crashed through the window of a house along the highway. You needed to hear the two of them tell the story! (Dave died in April.) I am sad for all of you in the loss of your mom.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time..
Shirley, Kevin, & Kay
My prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Lehto family, our deepest sympathy to all of you. You will be in our prayers. Will miss seeing “Ma” at the cabin. Big hugs to all
Hi Gail – I’m sorry to hear the news. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers – God’s blessing and peace to you.
Donna was my “other” mom and I have been so fortunate to be a part of your family. Love and comfort to all of you during this sad time.
Sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was so unique and loveable.
We will remember your mom as a woman of nature who loved all the plants and creatures AND a good poker game late at night!!! God Bless
Melissa, I am sorry to hear about your mother. She was a great lady! Prayers to you and the rest of your family.
Services
Visitation
Daniel Funeral Home, ClearwaterServices
Daniel Funeral Home, ClearwaterSchedule Details
A celebration of the life of Donna B. Lehto will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in Clearwater. Donna passed peacefully at home with family members by her side.
Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Funeral Home in Clearwater.