Donna Mae Eggen, daughter of Gustav & Maybelle (Ristvedt) Eggen was born July 21, 1932, in
Hazel
,
SD.
She was baptized by her uncle, Reverend Storaasli, in
Emmons
,
MN
. Donna grew up, was confirmed and graduated in
Maynard
,
MN
. Salutatorian of her high school class Donna launched her college career at St Olaf College. But after only 7 days, the tug of her heart strings pulled her from the classroom into a lifelong marriage with tall, dark, and handsome Donald Espenson who, was in the National Guard and was stationed at
Fort
Rucker
, AL. Donna and the family traveled to
Fort
Rucker
and the couple were married. It was a marriage that lasted over 45 years before Donald passed away Feb 17, 1998. After Don finished his military career, the couple moved back to
Maynard
,
MN
where Don farmed for a number of years. Then in 1959 they moved to
Starbuck
,
MN
where Don bought a real estate and insurance business where both Don and Donna worked for many years. They raised their two children, Cindy & Barry in Starbuck and enjoyed all the aspects of living in a small town by a lake.
She was a member of the Friendly Garden Club, the Hospital Auxiliary, Ladies Aide and Hospice. She enjoyed cross stitching, reading and church, where she spent a lot of her free time. She also loved to spend time with her family.
Donna died on Friday, April 2, 2010, at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, having live to reach the age of 77.
Donna is survived by her two children: Cynthia (Michael) Senf of Starbuck and Barry Espenson of
Vancouver
,
WA
; two grandchildren: Stacey (Chris) Stadsvold of Starbuck and Jessie (Dana) Schoen of Starbuck; four grandchildren: Jackson & Hunter Stadsvold and Brandon & Bailey Schoen and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death her parents; her husband: Don; brothers: Ray, Dean, Burdette, and sister: Mildred Hull.
Pallbearers for the service are: Steve Hauger, Dana Schoen, Christopher Stadsvold, Jay Leverson, Michael Senf and Roger Espenson. Honorary pallbearers are: Brandon Schoen, Bailey Schoen, Jackson Stadsvold and Hunter Stadsvold. Shari Opdahl will be serving as organist for the service, with Joy DuBois and Vic Vatthauer serving as vocalists. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of arrangements.
