Mary Donkers

Mary E. (Mrs. Paul) Donkers, age 65, of Faribault, passed away at home with her family at her side on Monday, December 21, 2009 following a courageous battle with cancer.             Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.             Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday for one hour prior to the services at the church.             Mary Elizabeth Wisdorf was born to Lawrence and Helen (Cosgriff) Wisdorf on March 26, 1944 in Worthington, MN. After moving from Fulda, MN to Litchfield, MN, Mary graduated from Litchfield High School in 1962. She attended St. Cloud School of Nursing, graduating with an RN Degree in 1965.             She married Paul Donkers on November 5, 1966 at St. Phillips Church in Litchfield, MN. Mary joined her husband on their farm in Walcott Township. Mary continued her nursing career while raising four children and helping on the farm. Mary was Director of Nursing at St. Lucas Care Center, and then held the same position at Faribault Manor. She currently was working at Pleasant Manor as Director of Staff Development until becoming ill. Mary also taught nursing courses for Riverland Technical College and Nurse's Aid and CPR courses for Faribault Vo-Tech.             Mary was very active in numerous organizations. Paul and Mary were members of Christ The King parish in Medford where she taught religion for many years. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters in Medford. Paul and Mary are currently members of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault. Mary was a member of the Minnesota Director of Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, Faribault Chamber of Commerce, Rice County 4-H leader, Rice County American Dairy Association, Rice County Pork Producers, Faribault Area Hospice Board, the Red Hats Society, Catholic Charities, St. Lucas Auxiliary, secretary for the Rice County Farmers Union as well as a state and national delegate, and was a state committee member of the USDA Farm Service Agency for nine years.             Mary received many awards in recognition of her effort. She received the Outstanding Alumni Award for 4-H, Chamber 1986 Member of the Year, Outstanding Service Awards from the Rice County Pork Producers and American Dairy Association.             Mary is survived by her husband Paul; their children, Jim (Gail), Jeanette, Matt, and Tony (Jackie); grandchildren, Julian, Mitchell, Breyana, Brooke, Tori, Jordan, Abby, Riley, Addison, and Chloe; brothers, Dan (Connie) Wisdorf, David (Janet) Wisdorf, Joe (Sandy) Wisdorf, and Pat (Mary) Wisdorf; in-laws, Diane (Jerry) Olson, Marv (Myrna) Donkers, Joe (Iris) Donkers, Willie (Shelly) Donkers, Terry (David) Quehl, Ralph (Barb) Donkers, Jan (Larry) Vines, Karen (Jack) Ostrom, Ron (Patty) Donkers, and Angie (Stan) Eller; special family friends, Bruce and Mary Perron; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.             She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Helen Wisdorf, in-laws, Martin and Angela Donkers; sister, Susan Eisenbacher; sisters-in-law, Barb Wisdorf, Rosemary Donkers, and Mary Donkers; brother-in-law, Cy Donkers; and nephew, Steven Donkers.             Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Faribault Area Hospice, Divine Mercy Church Building Fund, or the family intentions. Directions to Divine Mercy Catholic Church: http://divinemercycatholics.org/Directions%20to%20new%20church.jpg Since the church location is new and may not be in GPS map systems, please use: 22685 Albers Ave., Faribault.