Donna Znajda

Donna Znajda, 77, Warren, MN, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2006 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Donna Marie Matthews was born on July 21, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Stanley and Ovidia (Ottem) Matthews. She was raised in St. Louis Park, MN where she graduated from high school. Donna attended the University of Minnesota Agricultural College in St. Paul, MN. She worked for Land O Lakes as a lab technician and a bacteriologist. Many of her early years were spent "trick riding" in rodeo's. Donna married Denny Kirkendall on August 21, 1948 in St. Louis Park. On January 21, 1961, she married Theodore "Ted" Znajda. They made their home in Warren. Donna worked for the telephone company for a short period of time before working at the Ken Nelson Agency. She retired after 25 years. Donna also worked part time for Sister Anita Whalen DDS. Ted died on December 24th, 2000.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the Roosevelt American Legion Auxiliary, and was the Vice President of the Crookston Machine Knitters Club. Donna was also a Hospice volunteer for several years.

Donna's world revolved around the love she had for her grandchildren, Taylor and Felicia. She was either spending time watching their events, taking trips with them, or thinking of how she could do something more for "her grandkids". The highlight of each year was the annual trip she took with her family to Alaska to fish on the Kenai River.

Left to mourn her passing are a son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Karen Znajda of Stephen, MN, grandson, Taylor, granddaughter, Felicia, sister, Janeal Bartko of Columbia Heights, MN, brother, Stanley (Ann) Matthews of Cedar, MN, special friend, Denny Kirkendall of Sonora, CA, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her group of Alaskan friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Deloris.

FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at First Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before services
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN.

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