Donna Mae Schwerman

With grace, dignity and humor after a long, courageous journey with Alzheimers disease, Donna Mae Schwerman went peacefully to be with our Lord Savior on February 19, 2016, with her family by her side. Her wisdom, compassion for others, abundance of kindness and love for her family will be truly missed. Mom- because of you being such a great caregiver and role model, your grandchildren learned to be kind, compassionate and caring human beings. Donnas faith and love for her Lord Jesus Christ never wavered throughout her life. You have earned your Angels Wings. Donna was born on May 12, 1934, in New England, ND, to Edmund and Dora (Boettcher) Strehlow. She moved to Rochester at an early age, attended the Rochester Lutheran School and graduated from Rochester High School. She married Earl A. Schwerman on November 5, 1953. Donna and Earl have four daughters and five grandchildren. Donna was a secretary working at several places before becoming a homemaker. She was very active at her church, Redeemer Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir for over 50 years, was a member of Rebecca Circle, active in the Lutheran Womens Missionary League and attended numerous LWML conferences and speaking throughout Southern Minnesota. She became a Stephen Minister in 1984. Donna and Earl traveled extensively throughout their marriage but her greatest joy were her grandchildren, doing daycare for them and showering them with love. She is survived by her husband, Earl; her four daughters, Debbie Schwerman, Tammy (Glenn) Sorenson, Lori Schwerman, and Jamie Cummings (Mike), all of Rochester; grandchildren, Ketan Schwerman (Lori), Hunter Sorenson (Tammy), Jennifer and Connor Cummings (Jamie) and step-grandson Bradley Cummings (Jamie), her sister, Lorraine Eaton of Coon Rapids and brother, Orville Strehlow of Rochester. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Dora Strehlow; her eldest brother, Allan Strehlow; and her son-in-law, Michael Cummings. The service for Donna will be held at the Madonna Towers Chapel on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. James Heining as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Madonna Towers. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers who have helped Donna on her journey with Alzheimers. Our love and deep gratitude go to the staff at Madonna Towers (both the Memory Care Unit and Skilled Nursing Unit), Madonna Meadows, Home Instead Senior Care and St. Croix Hospice.