Donna Viona Partlow

Donna Viona Brenna Partlow, the only child of Freeman and Nina (Julson) Brenna, died March 13, 2018, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.  Donna was born in Grand Forks, ND on December 7, 1922.  She attended Brenna #13, a one-room country school, through the 8th grade.  In 1940, Donna graduated from Central High School and then went on to attend Aakers Business School in Grand Forks.     After graduating from Aakers, Donna worked as a secretary for several businesses including Lewis Construction, Minnkota Power, Red River National Bank, and in later years, Pepsi-Cola.   In 1945, Donna married William Partlow of East Grand Forks, MN.   Donna and Bill had two children, Rodney and Roxanne.  In 1976, Donna and Bill built a new home on her parents’ farm site in Brenna Township.    Known for always being on the go and very active in her community, Donna was a member of TNT Homemakers, TOPS, Sons of Norway, and was the leader of the Valley Rose 4-H Club for many years.  Donna also enjoyed bowling and golfing until she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1961.  She was a faithful, lifelong member of Evanger Lutheran Church where she served as the choir accompanist, church organist, and Sunday School Superintendent.  Donna was also active in Bible studies and WELCA.    Donna was a “word master”; she loved doing the daily crossword puzzle, the daily jumble, and was always up for a game of Scrabble or a jigsaw puzzle.  The times she enjoyed most were visiting and talking on the phone with her friends and family.    Donna is survived by her daughter, Roxanne Fiala, Grand Forks; grandsons, Ryan (Amy) Rudolph, Dickinson, ND, and James (Jamie) Fiala, Grand Forks, ND; granddaughter BreAnna Fiala, New York, NY; and her six great-grandchildren, Riley, Skylar, Jax, Maddox, William, and Lucas.  Donna was preceded in death by her husband and her son.    Memorials are preferred to Evanger Cemetery Fund or Valley Memorial Home.Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Monday, March 19, 2018 at Evanger Lutheran Church of rural Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery.