Donna Mueller, 81

Died June 14, 2009

Donna I. Mueller, 81, of Hudson died peacefully Sunday, June 14, 2009 at Arthur Rose Care Center in New Richmond.

Donna was born on Feb. 4, 1928, in Woodville, Wis., the daughter of Hobart and Docia St. Ores (Lunde) Norvold. She was raised in Woodville attending elementary school prior to her family moving to Hudson, where she graduated from Hudson High School.

On Sept. 18, 1949, she was united in marriage to Richard Mueller at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson by Pastor Scheide. This union would be further blessed with children Kristen, Bruce, Leslie, Scott and Annie.

She and Dick owned and operated True Value Hardware in Hudson for several decades. Although Dick handled the day-to-day activities, Donna was the driving force and inspiration that fueled the family business. One of their favorite tasks was hand picking the yearly flowers for their greenhouse with Dick.

She volunteered over 30 years for the world’s largest garage sale in Minneapolis benefiting the American Cancer Society. She also enjoyed knitting sweaters as she made hundreds of them for family and friends. She was a member of the Hudson Women’s Club, helping work the antique show and enjoyed traveling abroad as they have visited many different countries.

Most likely one of her greatest pastimes was soaking up the sun with family and friends as they made waves on the St. Croix River. Donna lived life by example. She raised her children with encouragement amid a strong sense of character. With her demeanor, she tried to view things on the bright side with the cup half full.

Donna’s life will be celebrated by her husband, Richard; children, Kristen Mueller, Bruce (Sue) Mueller, Leslie (Bill) Degner, Scott (Julie) Mueller, Annie (Tim) Blide; nine grandchildren, Emily, Casey, Julia, Hala, Elizabeth, Nicole, Jonathon, David and Katie; two great-grandchildren, Adeline and Gracelyn; brothers, Robert Norvold and Howard (Joyce) Norvold.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hobart and Docia (Lunde St. Ores) Norvold, sister, Irene Norvold; and grandson Michael Degner.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at First Presbyterian Church in Hudson with Pastor Dan Bruch officiating.

Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson and one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday morning.

Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Labyrinth Garden Fund.

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