Donna Kay (Baumler) Koperski, 75, of Rochester passed away peacefully at Cottagewood Senior Communities on Thursday, April 5, 2018 with her children by her side.  She resided there for a year and a half.

Donna was born July 28, 1942 on the family farm in Burr Oak, Iowa to Martin and Esther (Schott) Baumler.  She grew up with eight brothers and sisters.  As a young girl, she attended one room country school and graduated from Canton High School in 1960.  She married Ronald Koperski and they later divorced.  Donna worked at Mayo Clinic, retiring in 1999 from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Donna enjoyed music and attending concerts, (including seeing Buddy Holly in the winter of 1959), taking road trips, and gathering with family and friends.  She loved going back home and walking in the woods where she grew up. Donna was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church and her faith was an important part of her life.  In earlier years, she taught religious education, volunteered at her children's school and took classes at RCTC. Donna had an easy-going nature and was loved by many.  She will be greatly missed.  Blessed be her memory.

Donna is survived by her three children; Lonnie Wickman of Rochester, Daniel Koperski (Cindy) of La Crosse, WI, and Jane Koperski -Briggs (Randy) of Rochester.  She leaves behind her grandchildren Brennan, Sean, Tanner, Kaytee, Eli, Katya and great-grandchildren Noah and Ella.

Donna is also survived by two brothers; Floyd Baumler of Rochester, MN;  Arlan Baumler (Karen) of Zumbro Falls, MN;  and two sisters, Diane Schmelzer (Paul), of Ridgeway, IA; and Sharon Wiltgen, of Gaylord, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Esther; her daughter, Robin; her brothers, Virgil and Larry Baumler; and sisters, LaVonne Gehling and Elaine Brynsaas  as well as some nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be offered on Saturday, April 14 ^th at 11:00 a.m. at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with the Rev. Thomas A. Loomis officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Cottagewood Senior Communities as well as the compassionate staff at Heartland Hospice who helped her complete her journey.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com