Donna Cole Kraft, 86, passed away peacefully at home in south Minneapolis on July 7, 2017, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She knew she was ill and that there was no cure, but she accepted her condition with humor and grace.

Donna was born on April 10, 1931, and raised in south Minneapolis. Donna graduated from Washburn High School in 1948 and earned a degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She and Fred met at the university and were married Sept. 8, 1951. After graduation, they moved to Fred’s hometown of Austin, Minnesota, where they raised their four children. Donna was a devoted mother and homemaker. She loved music and sang in the choir for many years at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, where she also served as an Elected Elder. Donna, Fred, and the family traveled often and especially enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head Island and the North Shore. Donna enjoyed playing tennis and golf on a regular basis for many years. When the children left the nest, Donna returned to college and earned an accounting degree from Winona State University at Rochester, Minnesota. Donna and Fred moved back to the Twin Cities in 1987, and Donna worked for the next 20 years as an accountant for Krause Anderson Construction and Christ Presbyterian Church. Fred and Donna continued to take annual vacations with their growing extended family, and traveled internationally extensively. Donna was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina at the time of her death.

She is survived by Fred, her husband of 66 years; children, John Kraft (Rachel Madden), Kathryn Burger, Rebecca Kraft (Marc Soderbloom), Daniel Kraft (Michelle); and 11 grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Angeline (Schumm) Cole; and her sisters, Carol Jefferson and Mary Sloan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Waters on 50th (3500 W. 50th St. Minneapolis, Minnesota, parking in the rear of the building) on Thursday July 20, 2017, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Suggested memorials to the Christ Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Minneapolis People for Parks.