Dona Borstad, of the Madison Lutheran Home, formerly of Dawson, died Saturday, July 17, 2010, at the Madison Hospital at the age of 84. Funeral was at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 26, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastors Kendall Stelter and Lindsay Stolen officiating; scripture lessons were Psalm 23, Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-31 and John 14:1-7; special music was the Chord-Ayres singing "Beautiful Savior", "Precious Lord" and "The Irish Blessing" and Donna's nieces, Ann Fernholz, Phoebe Anderson, Pat Gaffaney and Jan Briones singing "Near to the Heart of God"; and organist, Chris Lehne accompanied the singing of "Lift High the Cross" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Scott, Noah & Jen and Serena & Cody were honorary casketbearers and Tom Fernholz, Eleazar Briones, Jann Olsten, Ron Olsten, Larry Borstad, David Thompson, Ken Lee and Jerry Lee were active casketbearers. Interment was in Grace Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday, July 25, from 5-7 PM, with a closing prayer service at 7 PM at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson. Dona Margaret Borstad was born on July 24, 1925, in Glenwood Township, Pope County, MN, to Elmer and Grace (Olson) Severson. She was baptized at Lake Amelia Lutheran Church at Villard, MN. When Dona was 2 years old, her mother died. Her father, sister and she moved in with her uncle and aunt, Clarence and Mabel (Olson) Severson. Mabel was mother to Dona and her sister. Dona was confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo, MN. She attended school at District #24, Chippewa County, through the 8th grade and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1943. Dona was married to Merlin Borstad on January 20, 1946, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo, MN. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Kathleen and Timothy. They lived on a farm north of Dawson and farmed until moving into Dawson in 1985. Dona was the perfect farm wife, always having the meal on the table, even while helping out in the fields. Dona also worked at Molstad's Bakery and the Coop Cafe in Dawson. Dona loved to bake and for many years, she baked cookies for the Farmer's Wife restaurant. She loved to do embroidery and also so enjoyed ironing. She kept many a family member in well-pressed clothes, as long as her health allowed. She was a very active member of Grace Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School, taking part in all the ladies' activities, and serving as funeral hostess for many years. She worked with Merlin as co-cemetery caretakers for 19 years. She was very proud of all her grandchildren. Grandma spent many hours caring for, reading to, and playing games with them all. She attended every activity of theirs at church or school. Most recently Grandma was able to make cherished memories with all of us at her granddaughter's wedding just four weeks ago. Dona entered eternal life on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at the Madison Hospital, at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 23 days. Dona is survived by her daughter, Kathleen DeLong of Dawson; son, Timothy Borstad and his wife, Ann of Dawson; three grandchildren; Scott DeLong of Willmar, Noah Borstad and his wife, Jen of Denver, Colorado, and Serena Brown and her husband, Cody of Dawson; one sister, Marjorie Lee of Montevideo, double cousin, Loraine Lien of Montevideo; and many other family and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Merlin on March 27, 2008; her parents: Elmer and Grace Severson; her second mom, Mabel and uncle, Clarence Severson; and double cousin, Roland Severson.