Donna Irene Oates, 91, of Whitehall,  passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026 and went to the loving arms of her husband, Daryl.

Donna was born on October 12, 1934 in Lanesboro, MN to Henry Martin and Alette Geneva (Howe) Dahl. As a young child, she attended the one-room Bridge Creek School and spoke only Norwegian. She later attended Rushford Schools and graduated in 1952.

Following graduation, Donna moved to Winona, MN where she attended nursing school and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at Winona General Hospital and at Watkins Nursing Home, dedicating herself to caring for others.

While living in Winona, Donna met the love of her life, Daryl, while roller skating in Rochester. It was a memory she cherished and spoke of often. They were married at St. Martin's Lutheran Church on September 29, 1956, and were blessed with three children, Debra, Dawn and Douglas.

In 1967, Donna and Daryl moved to Whitehall. Together they built and operated GTC Motor Parts, growing it into a thriving family business. Their hard work allowed them to enjoy many adventures, traveling by motorcycle and airplane.

Donna always put family first. She was deeply proud of her Norwegian heritage and spent countless hours researching her family history. She also loved returning "home" to Rushford, MN whenever possible to visit family and friends. No trip was complete without a visit to the family farm and her beloved Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. She also loved quilting with her friends of the WELCA at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Daryl; her parents; her "baby brother", Jerry Dahl; sister-in-law, Constance Oates; brothers-in-law, Allyn Burmeister and Donald Oates and her niece's husband, Steve Gural.

She is survived by her children, Debra Oates, Dawn (David) Hegge, and Douglas Oates.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Aschley (Waylon) Moats, Meghan (Duston Krpata Ball) Hegge, Laura (Jon) Holger-Oates, Julie Oates and Daniel (Emily) Oates.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Eli Moats, Easton Moats, Liam Hegge, Dawson Krpata Ball, Emerick Oates and Everly Oates.

She is further survived by her brother, Eldon (Jeanette) Dahl; sisters-in-law, Joyce Dahl and Janet Burmeister and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Denise (Chris) Corrigan, Jenny (Tony) Stevens, Allison (Matt) Bauer, Janel Crawford, Jon (Cori) Dahl, Jamie (Scott) Ballowe, Jason (Molly) Dahl, Joshua (Stephanie) Dahl, Laura (Drew) Severson, Tracy Gural, Kim (Justin) Capanna, Patrick Burmeister, Stacey Hildebrandt, Derek (Heather) Oates and their families.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at the Grand View Care Center, which Donna called home for the past four years. She often remarked, "Everyone is so nice here." Special thanks are also extended to St. Croix Hospice and to her granddaughter, Laura, for the compassionate care and support she provided. Special thanks to Jack Funeral Home for their support and assistance.

Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Whitehall, the Grand View Care Center Auxiliary to support music and special events that brought Donna so much joy or to Highland Prairie Lutheran Church near Peterson, MN.

Donna will be remembered for her devotion to family, her caring heart, her strong faith, her love of heritage and history, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall.  Scott W. Brown – SAM will officiate.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service.