Donna J. Rurup

Donna J. Rurup, age 68, of Wrightstown, Minnesota, died on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Astera Health in Wadena.

A time of gathering will be held from 5-8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service, on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Wrightstown United Methodist Church in Wrightstown, Minnesota.

Donna was born on May 3, 1955, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the youngest child of George and Frieda (Nelson) Barbeau. Growing up, her family frequently relocated before settling in Valders, Wisconsin. There, she actively participated in school activities like gymnastics and graduated in 1973. After graduation, she married Roger Kieselhorst, and together they had three boys, Jeremy, Eric, and John. When this marriage ended, a chance encounter playing darts led to her marriage to Robert Rurup in 1981 at the Fifth Avenue Methodist Church in West Bend, Iowa. Together, they welcomed twins, James and Jason, relocated to Minnesota in 1986, where they farmed and made a loving home in Woodside Township. They were welcomed to the community by Frank and Margaret Packard, house-sitting during the winters before becoming neighbors and lifelong friends, whom they considered family. Donna's career included various roles, but farming and bartending at the Parkers Prairie Liquor Store were her true passions. She worked at the liquor store for 17 years before retiring due to health issues. Donna's life was richly woven with love for her family. She and Robert shared a love of polka dancing, seizing every chance to dance together. A mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, her legacy of warmth will continue to resonate. Her family will deeply miss her, cherishing the beautiful memories she created.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, John in 1960.

Donna is survived by her husband of 42 years, Robert “Bob” Rurup; sons, Jeremy (Amber) Kieselhorst of West De Pere, Wisconsin, Eric (Heather) Kieselhorst of Holly Springs, North Carolina, John (Jennifer) Kieselhorst of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Steve (Kara) Rurup of Neillsville, Wisconsin, James Rurup of Hewitt, Minnesota, and Jason (Tahna) Rurup of Verndale, Minnesota; brother Thomas Barbeau of Clarks Mills, Wisconsin; sister, Caroline Henneken of Huntley, Illinois; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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