Donna Biers

Donna Marie (Krantz) Biers, 1941-2022, slipped away quietly on Monday evening, November 28 after a full weekend of birthday and Thanksgiving visitors. Donna enjoyed 55 years of marriage to James Alfred Biers who left her just two years ago, nearly to the day. Together, they had four children, Mark, Mindy, Kris, and Kari.

Donna grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota, one of six children to John and Eileen Krantz. She attended Brainerd Junior College studying both business and interior design and then traveled to Minneapolis in 1962 to begin her life in the business world. On April 10, 1964 she met James Biers at the Prom Ballroom. A year later on May 10, 1965 they were married in Minneapolis.

During their first years of marriage, Donna stayed home with their children, Mark arriving first in June of 1966. By 1974, she was caring for a busy household of four children. She loved being a homemaker and decorating their homes in Rochester. In addition to their own children, they helped family and friends by hosting them in their home. Donna always left the door open for anyone in need. In 1976 James was transferred to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Donna packed up the family for a grand adventure. That first summer and fall, they lived in a camper until their home was built.

With the children now older, Donna took a position at a small boutique clothing store in Detroit Lakes where she assisted in management and clothing window displays. In addition to this position, she took courses to become a certified judge for the boxing matches her husband was coaching. Together, the family traveled to matches across northern Minnesota and North Dakota. The recession years were tough, however, and by the early 80s, the family moved back to the Twin Cities. Throughout this time period, Donna struggled with various health conditions. When feeling well, she was very active taking on roles as Scout leader, Anoka School Board member, and PTA volunteer. Later she served as President for Montgomery Women of Today and was always active in the churches where she lived, most recently, a choir member at Good Shepherd in Owatonna. In her spare time, she loved to paint ceramics, read and craft.

Donna welcomed grandchildren beginning in the late 1980s, turning her attention to the little ones. She loved helping to raise each grandchild and doted on them as each new one arrived. From baking, to gifts, and following them in their events, she relished her time with her children and grandchildren. Donna could often be heard laughing and talking with friends, neighbors and family, sharing stories about her family.

Donna leaves a loving family across the states, including: Mark (Gloria) Biers and Kris (Michele) Biers; Daughters, Mindy (Jim) Reeder, Kari (Jason) Taylor and sister, Cheri (Gary) Austin. She leaves ten grandchildren: Michael (Teagen) Held; Jakob, Katrina and Kaylee Reeder; Joseph, Lita and Hunter Biers and Jamison, Jonas and Adalia Taylor. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, James Biers, parents, John & Eileen Krantz and brothers, John, Walter, Tom and Steve Krantz.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday December 5, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2500 7th Ave NE, Owatonna, MN. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church prior to the funeral. Interment will be at approximately 1:30 P.M. at the Little Valley Cemetery outside of Plainview, MN. Cards or plants may be sent to the funeral home or mailed to: Donna Biers ℅ Mindy Reeder 15578 State Highway 99-Montgomery, MN  56069.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.