Vera Knoll Donnay, 97

Vera Knoll Donnay of Watkins died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins. She was 97.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Church of St. Anne in Kimball with Fr. Donald Wagner as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Kimball. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Vera Audrey Webb was born at home April 29, 1926, in Maine Prairie Township, Stearns County, to Oscar and Blanche (Flindt) Webb. As a youth, she attended country school in Fair Haven, then helped on the family farm. On Jan. 7, 1947, she was united in marriage to Clemens M. Knoll in Silver Lake. They made their home for a short time in Silver Lake before raising their children in Maine Prairie Township. After Clemens’ death in 1977, Vera continued to make her home in the house they built in Kimball. On Feb. 14, 1992, Vera was united in marriage to Gilbert Donnay; he preceded her in death in 1999. In September 2001, Vera married Art Donnay in Holdingford; he preceded her in death in 2014. Vera has lived in Watkins since 1993, eventually moving into Garden View Assisted Living and later to Hilltop Health Care Center.

For 14 years, Vera worked at Madden’s Nursing Home in South Haven. She was a devoted homemaker whose love and nurturing spirit enriched the lives of her family. With a heart filled with compassion and a soul devoted to her loved ones, Vera dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home for her family. As a homemaker, she embraced the role with grace and selflessness, embodying the true essence of what it means to be a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She found joy in every aspect of her role, from cooking delicious meals to caring for her children and tending to the household. The love she poured into her family was immeasurable, and her legacy will forever be etched in their hearts.

Vera’s love extended beyond her immediate family; she was a pillar of strength and support for anyone who crossed her path. With a gentle smile and a listening ear, she provided comfort and guidance to those in need. Her genuine compassion touched the lives of many, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Clemens, Gilbert and Art; children Martin and Lou Ann; siblings Jay, Richard, Carl, Daisey, Alice, Loretta, and two infant sisters; and other dear family members.

She is survived by her children Teresa (and Larry) Kunkel of Pearl Lake, Stella Paige of Paynesville, Susan (and Dave) Donabauer of Kimball, Katherine (and Dave) Simmons of North Pole, Alaska, Kenneth Knoll of Kimball, and Mary Lou (and Steve) Salmela of Fairbanks, Alaska; and siblings Ardis (and Harold) Schreiner of Watkins, Clinton Webb of Paynesville, and Carol Walz of Hutchinson. Vera’s loving spirit also will be missed by her 24 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 34 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.