Donna Speltz

Donna Marie Speltz, 85, of Utica, MN passed away on November 19th, 2024, at St. Mary's hospital following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family and close friends.

Donna was born on October 5th, 1939, to Donald and Madeline (Rislow) Edwards. She married Joseph J. Speltz on June 27th, 1964, recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

As a child, she attended Worth Country School, Utica grade school, and St. Charles High School. She received her BA in Education from Winona State University. From here she taught in the arts and music for 37 years in St. Charles, MN.

Donna continued her leadership as an advocate of youth through her involvement in 4-H. She was the key leader of the Utica Victory 4-H Club, and she spent 57 years as the Secretary of the Winona County Fair. She also served as the Executive Secretary for the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and was currently serving as the President of the St. Charles Academic Excellence Program.

She lovingly leaves behind her husband, Joe, daughter MarySue (Jeff) Brust, AFS daughter Marie Foxman (Lars) Gustafson; Grandsons Todd (Amelia) Brust and Matthew (McKenna) Brust and soon-to-be great granddaughter; sister Marlys (Jim) Neldner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Helen.

Donna will be remembered for being a loving wife to her husband of 60 years. She was always by his side through thick and thin, like 2 peas in a pod. When you saw one, the other wouldn't be far behind. She will also be remembered for her Christmas programs and six grade camp, hosting families from across the globe, her love of family holidays and Brown Swiss cows and her infectious chuckle. The memories she made will not be forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, November 29th at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Funeral will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 30th at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic church with visitation prior at 10:00am

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Charles Academic Excellence Program and/or the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

The funeral service will be livestreamed. To watch online please follow the link below. 

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczMjMyMTk5ODMzODIzNiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==