Donna Mae Friede

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donna Mae Friede, a beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, who departed this life on September 2, 2026 at the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Born on May 23, 1928 in Whitehall,  Donna was the cherished daughter of Annette (Strand) and Lynn M. Toraason. Her life was a testament to love, dedication, and community spirit. Donna's journey began on a farm in rural Blair, where she was raised alongside her siblings, Lennice, Ruth, Lyman and Richard. After graduating from Blair High School, she moved to Eau Claire, where she embarked on a career with the Bell Telephone Company. It was there that a serendipitous moment would change her life forever. A forgotten purse in a taxi led to her meeting the kind-hearted driver named Eldon (Al) Louis Friede. This chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong union when they married on August 28, 1948 at Zion Lutheran Church in Blair.

Donna and Al shared a remarkable 70-year marriage, marked by love, laughter and the joy of raising their two sons, Steven R. Friede and Douglas M. Friede. In 1957, the couple returned to Blair to open the Friede Pharmacy, a cherished community hub where Donna worked faithfully alongside Al.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Donna was a devoted mother and an active member of her community. She dedicated her time as a Sunday School Teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Music Mother, Cheese Festival volunteer and served on the Library Board.  Donna's passions extended to her beautiful flower gardens, where she found solace and joy. A talented cook, she was known for her warm hospitality, often hosting card parties and gatherings for friends and loved ones. Her love for the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers was well-known, and she rarely missed a game.

Throughout her life, Donna remained a loving and caring figure, always ensuring her family was nourished and content. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering concern for her sons continued until her final days.

Donna is preceded in death by her loving husband, Al; her parents, Lynn and Annette Toraason and her siblings, Lennice, Ruth, Lyman and Richard.

She leaves behind her cherished sons, Steven (Sharon Smith) and Douglas; her sister-in-law, Carol Toraason and her nieces and nephews, Diane, Ronnie, Terry, Mark, Leatrice and Linda, who will carry forward her legacy of love and kindness.

A private burial will be held to honor Donna's life in accordance with her wishes.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Whitehall Hospital, Pigeon Falls Health Care Center and Interim Health Care Hospice for their compassionate care during Donna's final days.

Donna Friede's life was a blessing to all who knew her and her memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of her family, friends and community.