Donna Adams

Donna Adams, 93, of Paynesville, died Thursday, April 10 at Kornois Place in Paynesville. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Monday, April 14 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A rosary will be said by the Daughters of Isabella at 10:15 am. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. www.hafh.org

Donna Louise Ernesti was born on May 30, 1931, to Ben and Netti (Shamla) Ernesti in Bird Island, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island. In 1949, she graduated from St. Mary’s High School and went on to attend Minnesota Business College, earning her degree in 1950.

After college, Donna began her career working at a bank in Minneapolis. On August 14, 1954, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Adams at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Amboy, Minnesota, until 1968, when they relocated to Paynesville.

Donna worked for many years as a waitress at Bernie’s Barn in Paynesville—a job she especially loved. She later became the first school aide hired at Paynesville Schools, where she worked in the library for 19 years before retiring.

In retirement, Donna and Bill spent 22 winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, making countless cherished memories together.

A devoted member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville, Donna was also one of the founding members of the Daughters of Isabella. She was involved with Christian Women, the Paynesville Legion Auxiliary and many other community organizations.

Donna loved being with people and was always ready for a good time. She enjoyed woodworking, crafts, sewing, playing cards in many clubs, golfing, clogging, pickleball and the outdoors. Donna found great joy in time spent with her family.

She is survived by her children, Pamela (Thomas) Osterberg and Kent (Elaine) Adams; her grandchildren, Seth (Jessica) Adams, Brooke Hoving, Emily (Alan) Williams, and Tucker (Ashley) Osterberg; and nine beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Ben and Netti; two brothers; and one sister.

A special thank you to the staff of Koronis Place for all the support given to Donna and her family.

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