Donna Jean Wirt

Donna Jean Campbell Wirt, 92 years of age, died Wednesday, January 3, 2024 peacefully in her home while in hospice care.

Donna was born July 30, 1931 in Saratoga Township, Winona County, to Stanley and Leafie (Braithwait) Campbell.

Donna grew up on a Purebred Angus farm and showed winning animals at the Winona County fair and Minnesota State Fair. She won champion awards at the state fair with her angus. After high school, Donna worked as a telephone operator. She met Russell John Wirt at the county fair and they became “4-H lovebirds”. They were united in marriage on March 1, 1952 and their union was blessed with four children. 

She became a true partner with Russell in their journey through life and farming operation. They started a local 4-H club in their early marriage. Most of their life they kept a log of daily events. She was an exceptional homemaker trying to continue to learn skills in managing the home and family time, cooking, baking, and sewing. She was known for competing in the county fair, entering a large number of entries, winning champion and honorable mention prizes in baking, photography, quilting, flowers and needle arts. She also enjoyed flower gardening. She and Russell traveled nationally and internationally. They were known to go fishing in the Winona area, in Canada, and in Northern Minnesota.

Donna cherished time with her family, especially spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She taught many of them life skills that they are using today.

Donna will be remembered and  missed by her children, Duane (Elizabeth) Wirt, Dennis (Kim) Wirt, Douglas Wirt and Kimberly (Gary) Asche; grandchildren, Kayte Haaland, Darrin, Karissa, Denton and Dustin Wirt as well as Bekki Flesner, Abigail Warmka, John, Andrew and Austin Asche; Great grandchildren, Claire and Ava Haaland, Mariah Potter, Brekken, Lauren, Roslyn, Evan, Dayton, Bently, Halle Jo and Bella Wirt, Madeline, David, and Jacob Flesner, Aiden, Ellen and Owen Asche, and Chloe and Isaac Warmka; Sisters Marian Burgdorf, and Phyllis Ayen, sister-in-law Cathy Campbell; as well as other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell; Siblings Alan, and Lyle Campbell, sisters-in-law Rebecca (John) Walch, and Mary Alyce (Roman) Walch.

Donna’s family has entrusted Hoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service of St. Charles with her arrangements and a private family service will be held. Interment will be at the Church of the Brethren Cemetery www.hofffuneral.com