Donna Mae Erickson was born July 1, 1947, to Andrew and Charlotte (Winson) Erickson in Valley City, North Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City. Donna attended Valley City High School where she graduated in 1965. After graduating, she held various jobs. She met Gary Ekern of Kathryn, ND at the Rudolf Café where she was a waitress and, on August 22, 1967, they were married in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They started a family, had two boys and a girl, and in 1975 they bought a home in Valley City where Donna and Gary have lived ever since.

Donna was a wonderful homemaker and a bit of an entrepreneur. She thoroughly enjoyed gardening and crafting and shared these passions with her family. She was a collector of all Coca-Cola things and for a time was a partner in the Gingerbread House, an antique store in town.

Donna had many dear friends, making several all around the globe through the games she enjoyed playing online.

Donna died Sunday morning May 24, 2026. She is survived by her husband Gary; by her three children, Todd of Manvel, ND, Tim of Watertown, SD, and Jodi (Brian) Heikkila of McVille, ND; by her grandchildren Chase, Cooper, Cami (Ethan), Cole and Josh; and by her sisters Ann and Betty and brother Ron. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Karen.

She was a beacon of love for our family. She will be dearly missed.

Donna’s funeral service will be 10:30 am, June 5, at Traditions Funeral Services, Oliver-Nathan Chapel. A time of gathering for family and friends will begin one hour before the service at the chapel. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Kathryn, ND.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Traditions Funeral Services. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com