Donna Mae Stauber

Donna M Stauber, age 88, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Donna lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family and faith.

Born on January 31, 1938, in Tower, Minnesota, Donna was the daughter of Joseph Krexer and Margaret Erchul. She graduated from Tower/Soudan High School before earning a degree from Ely Junior College. Donna then went on to earn her teaching degree from St. Cloud State University. She taught at the elementary level yet teaching 3rd grade was her favorite. After “working” as a stay at home mom, Donna became a bookkeeper/office assistant for Edward’s Oil/Lucky 7 until she retired.

On August 1, 1964, Donna married Jim Stauber, beginning a partnership marked by love, laughter, and shared devotion to their family. Together they raised three children: Meg Stauber-Bel, Liz (Stauber) Johnson, and Fred Stauber. Donna was also a proud mother-in-law to Jeff Johnson and the late Rus Bel.

Donna loved her role as Grandma to her granddaughters—Megan Johnson, Kenzie Johnson, and Zoe Bel. Whether cheering them on at events or sharing quiet moments together, she treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives.

Donna was well known for her excellent cooking and baking. Her kitchen was her “happy place” as she prepared many meals and baked goods to share with family and friends. Donna mastered the art of making Potica and Strudel-carrying on the tradition started by her mother. Gardening was also a hobby Donna enjoyed. She loved to grow fresh vegetables in her large garden to use in many of her dishes. Canning, especially multiple varieties of pickles and making jams/jellies were her passion. Donna’s creative talents didn’t end in “the kitchen”, she created many beautiful ceramic pieces as she participated in class once a week. Later in life, Donna joined the Funeral choir at Holy Spirit Church and delivered “Meals on Wheels” with Jim.

Donna found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing and boating on Northern Minnesota’s lakes, tending her vegetable and flower gardens, berry picking during summer months, bird and gecko watching and watching sports—especially cheering on her Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs (she secretly had a crush on Patrick Mahomes!). Donna also joined a bowling league which she participated in for many years and thus made many friends.

She is survived by her children Meg Stauber Bel, Liz (Stauber) Johnson (Jeff), and Fred Stauber; granddaughters Megan Johnson, Kenzie Johnson, and Zoe Bel. Sisters Carol (Lou) Plevell, Beverly (Don) Reed, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband Jim of 61 years. Parents Joseph (Krexer) and Margaret (Knapp) Erchul; father and mother-in-law Rudolph and Josephine Stauber; brothers-in-law Tom Stauber and Ray Stauber; sister-in-law Marlene Stauber; and son-in-law Rus Bel.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 2 pm to honor Donna’s life at O'Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, WI. Visitation will begin at 1 pm prior to the service. Arrangement details can be found on the funeral home website www.OconnellFuneralHomes.com.

Donna’s legacy is one of steadfast love for her family, faith in God, and an enduring appreciation for life’s joys both big and small. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Cremation services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson.  For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725