Donna Rose (Moldan) Konz, the daughter of Engelbert and Evelyn (Mickelson) Moldan, was born on January 11, 1955, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. She attended grade school at Japanese Martyrs Catholic School in Leavenworth, transferred to Sleepy Eye Public School, and graduated in 1973. While in school, Donna met Mark Konz. They stayed in touch through Mark’s military service and on July 20, 1973, they were united in marriage. Donna and Mark were blessed with three children, Tracy, Jessica, and Andrew. They celebrated 50 years of marriage that was built on friendship, teamwork, and love.
While raising their children, Donna worked in the lunchroom at St. Mary’s Catholic School and at Bic, both in Sleepy Eye. She cherished being a mom and never missed an event her children were in. Her children learned from Donna’s strong work ethic, and they knew they could count on her for solid advice and unconditional love. Donna absolutely adored her grandchildren, was super proud of them, and made each one feel special. She loved going to their activities and bringing them to meat raffles.
Donna was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. She loved to quilt, sew, and work in her garden. She had a knack for growing beautiful flowers. She also had a knack for making everyone feel welcome. Generous with her heart and concern for others, whenever Donna saw a need, she would reach out, offer support, prepare a meal, or help in any way she could. Caring for her family, in big ways and small, brought her joy. She was a great cook and hostess and loved celebrating her family and friends. Birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas, were extra special because Donna made them so. Donna was an excellent wife, mom, and grandma and she will be missed beyond measure.
Donna is survived by her best friend and husband, Mark Konz of Sleepy Eye, MN; children, Tracy (Justin) Grodnitzky of Ames, IA, Jessica (Eugene “Shorty”) Elliott of Ames, IA, and Andrew (Christine) Konz of Albertville, MN; grandchildren, Alec (Molly) Grodnitzky, Natalie Grodnitzky, Cecilia Elliott, Colin Elliott, Payton Konz, and James Konz; siblings and their spouses, LeAnn, Mary, Tammy, Norbert (Barb), David (Suzanne), Leo (Theresa), Leon (Joanie), Richard (Shauna), Glen (Lisa); siblings-in-law and their spouses, John (Alyce), Leo, Karen (Denny), Vincent (Sandy), Bernice (Reed), Steven (Denise), Phyllis, Marie (Bob), Susan (David), Joan, Ronald (Ann), and Pamela; many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Engelbert and Evelyn Moldan; stepfather, Clarence Mathiowetz; siblings, Thomas, Raymond, Larry, and JoAnn; parents-in-law, George and Mary Konz; and siblings-in-law, Donald and Teresa.