Donna Mae Joyce (Swenhaugen) Grave

Donna Mae Joyce Grave, 85, of Red Wing, died Sunday, September 3, 2023 at her home with her husband by her side.

She was born June 16, 1938 in Pipestone, Minnesota to Elvin and Loretta (Beach) Swenhaugen. She attended school in Balaton, Minnesota. On November 18, 1953 she was united in marriage to Richard Grave at St. Mary’s Church in Tracy, Minnesota. The couple lived in Pipestone and Winnebago before moving to Red Wing in 1972. Donna worked for Josten’s for many years and also provided in home day-care. She also worked at Allyn’s Bakery as a cake decorator, making beautiful cakes.

She was a member of the Church of St. Joseph where she volunteered in various ladies’ groups. She loved to entertain and enjoyed cooking and baking for crowds. She also did lots of yearly canning from her own garden. She was a talented tailor, seamstress, and embroiderer. She loved traveling, playing cards with friends, and doting on her grandkids. She had a fantastic sense of humor and loved sending funny birthday cards. Her contagious laugh will be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Anthony (Pam McLaren), Gene (Sarah Benidt-Grave), and Jody (Kenneth) Schingledecker; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Viola Lavoie; as well as many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by great-grandson, Kaden Rogers; her siblings, Romona Johnson, Melvin Swenhaugen and Cletus Swenhaugen; and her parents.