Eder, Donna R.

Donna Rae Eder, age 87 of Cottage Grove, MN, peacefully passed away on June 10th, 2025 at home surrounded by her family.

Donna was born on January 25, 1938, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, to Arthur (Art) and Anna (Patti) LaMere. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955, where she was honored as Homecoming Queen during her senior year. Following high school, Donna attended St Mary’s School of Nursing in Wausau, Wisconsin and then moved to Minneapolis where she obtained a Medical Technician and X-Ray Certification in 1958. She enjoyed her time living in the Franklin Avenue area of Minneapolis, but her life took a wonderful turn when she attended an Air Force dance in Osceola, Wisconsin -- where she met the love of her life, Jerry Eder. At the dance, he approached Donna and asked, “Where have I seen you before?” -- and from that moment, their story began. They married on Sept. 26, 1959, and had four children: Cheryl, Julie, John and Jolene. During the first ten years of marriage, Donna, Jerry, and the family lived in several locations across Wisconsin and Michigan before settling in Cottage Grove, MN in 1969. Donna worked full time at the Fritzie Fresh Candies Company in Newport, MN for many years while focusing and prioritizing family. This is where Donna’s deep love for her family truly shone, as she selflessly put her husband and children’s needs before her own. Donna and Jerry left Cottage Grove after living there for over 30 years and then spent over 20 years in West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Donna and Jerry were married for 63 years until Jerry’s passing in 2023. Recently, Donna returned to Cottage Grove as a resident at Norris Square Enhanced Assisted Living, where she found comfort and peace in being back home.

Most important of all – she loved her family and friends. Donna’s love of family was evident in everything she did. The heart of her life revolved around her family, cherishing that over anything else. Spending time with her family gave Donna immense joy. She was an excellent listener and was always there when anyone needed her help, guidance or just a listening ear. Anyone who met Donna, loved Donna. She also enjoyed spending time outside gardening and birdwatching. Donna’s happy place was just sitting outside on her deck for hours and enjoying the heat from the sun.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Anna LaMere; and husband, Jerry Eder.

Donna is survived by her loving daughters Cheryl (Dan) Wegman, Julie (Dan) Frey and Jolene (John) Douvier; son John (Bob Just) Eder; six grandchildren, Mindy Arsenault, Nakina Grahn, Alicia Wohlers, Alec Frey, Tyler Douvier and Ariana Douvier; seven great-grandchildren, Harley, Chance, Nova, Vienna, Livia, Syrus and Rylee; sisters Barbara (Rich) Parks, Linda (Tom) Spear; nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held on July 19, 2025, with a Visitation at 10:00 am and a Funeral Mass following at 11:00 am at Saint Thomas Becket Church, 4455 S. Robert Trail, Eagan, MN 55123. A light luncheon will follow the service. Private interment at Fort Snelling on July 22, 2025.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the enhanced assisted living care staff at Norris Square and Grace Hospice for their compassion and wonderful care throughout the short time Donna was there.