Donna Stapleton, of Prior Lake, passed away September 8, 2017 at the age of 76. Visitation is Monday, September 11, 2017 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and Donna will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake.
On May 1, 1941, Donna was born to parents Winfred and Agnes (Kruse)Wagner. She was the oldest of five and grew up in South East Minneapolis with her siblings, Jackie, Mary Jo, Ken and Sally. Even though she grew up in the city, Donna got a taste of farm life, because she’d spend summers on her grandparents’ farm in Central Minnesota.
After graduating from Marshall High School, Donna began working in the Continuation Center at the University. During this time, Donna attended a party in the dorms where she was introduced to a nice young man named Peter Stapleton. He asked her out the first night they met, and they’ve been together ever since. Peter and Donna were married on November 18, 1961 in Minneapolis.
They were blessed with three wonderful children and settled in Prior Lake to raise their family. Donna was a wonderful wife and mother. She kept everything running smoothly at home, and had a full-time job outside the home too. Donna worked as a cashier in accounts receivable at National Car Rental for more than 20 years. She then worked part-time at Eagle Creek Quilt Shop for more than ten years. She loved the work and the people she worked with.
Donna was a talented quilter and passed this love on to her daughters. She taught them so much and was always there to help fix any wrong stiches for them. Donna put lots of love into every quilt. She often gave them as special gifts to family and friends. Donna was an active member of a quilting group that donated many quilts to those in need, including Children’s Hospital. She was also involved in the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Michael Catholic Church.
When Donna wasn’t quilting, she enjoyed birdwatching, gardening and canning vegetables. Donna also loved spending time with her family. She was very close with her grandsons, Joseph and Peter. Even though they live in Illinois, Peter and Donna made it a point to see them as much as they could.
Donna was a kind-hearted woman with a beautiful soul. She is survived by her husband, Peter; children, Renee Stapleton, Richard (Christine Blaine) Stapleton, Roxanne (Scott) Heuer; grandsons, Joseph and Peter; siblings, Jackie Olson, Mary Jo (Ed) Guzek, Ken (Pam) Wagner and Sally Judge. Donna is preceded by her parents, Winfred and Agnes (Kruse) Wagner.
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Hugh & Ruth Hadlund
Dear Stapleton Family, our prayers are for your family. May the Lord provide you peace in this difficult time.
Mark and Robbi Dascalos
Rick and Family… May God’s grace and peace surround your family. Rest good and faithful servant.
Bob and Marian Kruse
So very sorry about Donna, Sympathy to all the family. I am sure she will be missed greatly.
She was a friend for so long, thru high school and beyond. We will pray for her and all the
family. Bob and Marian Kruse
Kim Tiede
My cousin Donna is a wonderful person. I loved her laugh. It is my understanding that Donna was instrumental in introducing my parents. I love her for that! (The story goes something like, Marian Johnson, high school friend, would you like to go out with my uncle Bob Kruse. Bob happening to be living with Donna and her family at the time.)
My deepest sympathy goes out to Pete, Renee, Rick and Roxie. Donna is a lovely person and I look forward to seeing her in heaven.
Peace Kim (Kruse) Tiede and family
Mark munson
Rick and the Stapleton family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. The Munson family.
Loretta "kruse" swedberg
So sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful person, Donna ,I have some very wonderful memories , I would look up to her as a older cousin of mine. God bless your family in there sadness, Love Loretta
Jeannine Pelletier
Im Really sorry for Your lost of your sister !!! Wishing you all my Sympathy to all the Family’s
Bruce R
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all family and friends. May all families look forward to a time in the near future when death will be no more and all sickness will be done away with. Isaiah 25:8 and 33:24.