Donna Lu (Krisik) Arntson of Rochester, MN, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on November 23, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service to her community.

Born on March 18, 1930, in Ingram, Wisconsin, to Paul and Norma (Bedard) Krisik, Donna grew up in a small, tight-knit family near Ladysmith, Wisconsin, where she was active in both school and community life. She attended high school at Ingram-Glen Flora High School before furthering her education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she studied Home Economics.

On August 1, 1953, Donna married Bruce Marshall Arntson, and together they adopted their two sons, Jeffrey Allen and Gerald Thomas. Donna devoted herself to her family with boundless energy, and she was the heart of the home. From her homemade pasties to her Christmas chocolates, Donna loved to bake and put on seasonal dinners for friends and family.

Donna's career was defined by her passion for teaching and helping others. She began her teaching career in Stewartville, Minnesota, where she taught Home Economics, and later continued her work as a teacher at John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota. She shared her love of sewing with the community, also teaching night sewing classes for over 20 years, leaving a lasting impact on many students.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Arntson and Gerald (Kristen) Arntson; siblings Paul Krisik, Larry Krisik, Jean (Krisik) Bloomer and sister-in-law Marilyn Kudingo; grandchildren Kennedy Monarch, Karsyn McDaid, and TJ Lambert; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends who were all blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bruce, sister-in-law Evelyn Krisik and brothers-in-law John Bloomer and Joe Martinek.

The Arntson family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to many dear friends who were part of her life, as well as the compassionate care she received during her final days at The Meadows in Savage, Minnesota. She will be missed by all her knew her for the feisty spirit, her dedication to hobbies, and endless adventure for travel.

A Funeral Mass will be held in Donna's honor on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11am with visitation an hour prior and lunch following the service. All will be held at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 11 4 ^th Ave SW, Rochester, Minnesota, 55902.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.