Donna Lou Christiansen

Memorial services For Donna Christiansen of Morris will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Federated Church in Morris. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Summit Cemetery in Morris.

Donna Lou (Yarger) Christiansen, born Aug. 19, 1933, in Morris, MN, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at West Wind Village in Morris. She was 92 years old.

Donna was born and raised in Morris and graduated from Morris High School in 1951. She was actively involved in choir and band during her school years, playing percussion and sharing her beautiful singing voice as a soloist. Music remained an important part of her life, and she was a longtime member of the Morris Community Band as well as her church choir.

During high school, Donna met the love of her life, Lyle, and their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married on Oct. 7, 1953. Following their wedding, they moved to Kentucky while Lyle attended Army Basic Training. Their son, Lynn, was born in September 1954. After Lyle’s two years of service, the family returned to Morris, where they welcomed son Bruce in February 1956, twin daughters in May 1957, and daughter Amy in April 1972.

Donna’s first job was at Henry’s Candy Co., where her brother helped her secure a position stamping cigarettes and packing candy. She later worked at the National Tea Grocery Store, beginning around the time ration stamps were introduced, and she carefully kept track of the stamps for the store.

Donna was a lifetime member of the Federated Church of Morris, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir for many years, and was an active member of Women’s Fellowship. Her faith and church community were central to her life.

Donna’s volunteer service was extensive. She served as an election judge and volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation. At Federated Church, she was a council member and council president, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served on the Women’s Fellowship funeral committee for 16 years. She was secretary of the MHS Music Boosters; helped Morris schools with science fairs and medical screenings; served as Morris Centennial Headquarters secretary in 1971; coordinated Junior Bowling; was a Cub Scouts den mother; and delivered meals through the Meals on Wheels program. In addition, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary and spent many hours sewing items for veterans’ homes and hospitals.

Donna had many talents and hobbies. Crocheting was one of her favorites; she made a blanket for each of her 16 grandchildren and baby blankets for her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing and was a wonderful cook and baker, sharing her gifts generously with family and friends. Donna liked to bowl and participated in many bowling leagues.

Donna was especially proud of her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Lyle; her five children: Lynn (Maggie) Christiansen of St. Cloud, MN; Bruce (Joleen) Christiansen of St. Cloud, MN; Pam (Victor) Gades of Morris, MN; Pat (Nick) Kieffer of Morris, MN; and Amy (Scott) Liebl of Oronoco, MN; 16 grandchildren: Stacy, Joseph, Paula, Nicole, Anthony, Benjamin, Kelly, Rosalee, Matthew, Katherine, Marielle, Isaac, Kyle, Alexander, Noah, and Zachary; 28 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin (Ed) and Marie (Fischer) Yarger; her brothers, Donald (Don) and Edwin (Red); and her sister, Betty Sorensen.

Donna will be remembered for her kind heart, beautiful voice, sharp wit, steady faith, and devotion to her family. She blessed countless lives. Her warmth and unconditional love will be cherished always.

Memorials may be directed to the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis.org/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one.