Donna Louise (Mueller) Laturnus

July 13, 1938 – May 09, 2026

Donna Lou (Mueller) Laturnus 87, of Munich, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 09, 2026, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Grand Forks, North Dakota surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of HIA Hospice. Donna passed away on the two-year anniversary of her beloved husband, Pete – a touching reflection of the deep bond they shared and the love that endured beyond his passing.

Donna was born on July 13, 1938, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to John C. and Margaret (Zimmer) Mueller. She attended school in Calio and graduated from Munich High School in 1956.

In November of 1956, Donna married the love of her life, Pete Laturnus, after the two met at a dance in Calio. They shared 67 years of marriage before Pete’s passing. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, family, farming and raising their children on the very farm where Donna herself was raised.

Donna was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She worked for over 25 years as a quality control inspector for the USDA and cleaned several businesses in Munich with great pride and care. At home, she worked side by side with her husband on the farm, always wanting to lend a hand wherever she was needed.

Donna had a deep love for music and dancing, especially polkas and waltzes, which she and Pete enjoyed throughout their lives. In later years, they looked forward to listening to Sayler’s Polka Place every Sunday afternoon, a simple tradition that brought them great joy.

Donna was an active member of St. Boniface and St. Mary’s Catholic Church along with being on the Alter Society, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

Donna was an excellent cook, known for preparing meals that brought family together. She loved gardening and flowers, taking pride in the beauty she created around her home. She also enjoyed painting and with the help of her husband and children, painted many buildings throughout the area, leaving behind a quiet but lasting mark on her community. She also found joy in quilting, crocheting and embroidering dish towels, creating many handmade treasures that will continue to remind her family of her love and care for years to come.

Donna cherished time spent with her family, especially at Red Willow Lake, where countless memories were made. She will be remembered for her warmth, her resilience, her devotion to her loved ones, and the simple joys she embraced so fully.

Donna is survived by her children: Dean (Kim) Laturnus, Munich; Daryl (Sandy Hendrickson) Laturnus, Munich; Dennis (Lori) Laturnus, Grand Forks; Steve (Donna) Laturnus, Grand Forks; and Bonnie (Al) Wald, Bismarck; along with 11 grandchildren: Deanna (Jeff), Heidi (Troy), Kayla (Brant), Amanda (Tyler), Justin (Jessica), Rebecca (Justin), Matthew (Emily), Mitchel, Conner, Emma and Dominic; 16 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Helen Laturnus; bonus daughter Karen (Schuler) Swanson; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, John C. and Margaret (Zimmer) Mueller; and her beloved husband, Pete Laturnus; her siblings: Elmer (Eleanor) Mueller, Viola (Emmery Wirth, Roman Nosbusch), Alfreda (Orvaille) Simon, Robert (Monica) Mueller and infant brother Marvin.

Now, reunited in heaven with her beloved Pete, they are once again side by side, perhaps dancing to a gentle waltz, their love carrying on beyond this life.

Mass of Christian Burial for Donna will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Munich, ND with Father Brian Moen, Donna’s great nephew, celebrating the Mass. Burial will be at the St Boniface Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lakes, ND on Wednesday, May 13, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.