DONNA L. WALEN

Donna Lou (Ashland) Walen, age 83, was united with her Lord and Savior on January 11, 2015. Donna was born on the family farm near Cooperstown on July 13, 1931 to her parents, Jens and Myrtle (Lier) Ashland. She started school at a country school near Cooperstown, and then attended Cooperstown High School where she graduated in 1949. Donna met Maynard Walen; the love of her life, at one of the local dances. They were soon married and moved to homestead near the Glenfield area. Their union was blessed with three children; Renee (Gustafson), Myron and Cheryl (Vigesaa). Donna worked hard as a farmer’s wife, bringing meals to the field each day in the spring and summer. And of course, there were always piles of clothes to be washed, wrung and hung out to dry. Although Donna didn’t love her time in the kitchen she seemed to always whip together great meals and made sure she had cookie’s, (sometimes bought) for Maynard. Maynard begin working in Cooperstown in the winters which constituted a move to Cooperstown in 1968. Donna was so excited to move into her new home and did a lot of the finishing work on her own. She was an immaculate housekeeper and took a lot of pride in keeping her place in tip top condition. You would be able to enter the house and just smell the pine sol and furniture polish. She also loved to shop, and her and Maynard would spend many Saturdays traveling to Fargo. Donna loved her parents and brothers. She would often reminisce about many of the antics her brothers would pull on her; yet, how protective they were of her when push came to shove. She also enjoyed those afternoon coffee times with her Mother. Her love for her husband and children was evident by how she cared for them. When times were tough she was always supportive of Maynard and stood by his side. With us Children, there were many late nights rocking us, taking temps, placing vicks on our chests and all those little things that show a Mothers love. Donna was also blessed with seven grandchildren and twelve grant grandchildren. It was evident how proud she was of them by all the pictures she displayed of them in her home, her fridge being the prime spot. Donna was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown. There she was involved in circle groups, bible studies, alter guild and serving for events. She was proud to be a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Donna is survived by; one Son – Myron (Karlene) Walen, Anthem, AZ; two daughters – Renee (Larry) Gustafson, Fargo, ND, Cheryl (Don) Vigesaa, Cooperstown, ND; six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren; three brothers – Gordon (Norma) Ashland, Cooperstown, ND, Clifford (Marjorie) Ashland, Beach Bay, CA, LeRoy (Janice) Ashland, Kenyon MN. Proceeded in death by her parents, Jens and Myrtle Ashland, husband, Maynard and one grandson Jeremy Walen. Funeral services will be Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND. Visitation will be Thursday, January 15, 2015 from 5:00 till 7:00 in the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home in Cooperstown, ND and one hour before services in the Church. A Prayer Service will be Thursday at 7:00 in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Glenfield Cemetery.