Donna Grein

1934 - 2025

Donna Grein

November 14, 1934 - May 20, 2025

Donna Grein, 90, of Albert Lea, and formerly of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea, Minn.

Donna was born November 14, 1934, in Riverdale Township, Kossuth County, Iowa, to Leroy M. Thilges and Agnes B. (Manthei) Thilges. She graduated from St. Cecilia Academy in Algona and briefly worked as a telephone operator before marrying the love of her life, Ronald Grein, on June 26, 1956, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Algona.

Together, Donna and Ron built a loving home in Mason City, where they spent 64 wonderful years. Donna was a devoted stay-at-home mother until their children were in school, after which she worked for Sears, Iowa Kemper, and Economy Insurance. She gave generously of her time, volunteering with the Mason City Community Kitchen and Holy Family Catholic Church where she was a circle member.

Donna had a heart full of creativity and care. She sewed clothing for her children and crafted countless Barbie doll outfits for their dolls. A gifted baker, she made sure no meal ended without dessert, always cake during the week and pie on the weekends, and a never ending supply of chocolate chip cookies. She was an avid crocheter, word game enthusiast, and loyal Iowa Hawkeyes fan. She loved fishing trips up north and took great joy in collecting angel figurines.

Above all, Donna was a woman of deep compassion and unwavering love. She put others first, always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, and proud grandmother, Donna's greatest joy was spending time with her family and doing things to make their lives brighter.

Donna is survived by her children, Cynthia (Steve) Merfeld, Virginia (Steve) Dickens, Sheila (Todd) Olson, and Scott Grein; seven grandchildren, Nicole (Lary) Fauth, Danielle Merfeld, Ben (Christe) Dickens, Brittany Olson, Connor Olson, Heather Thompson and Trenton Thompson; and seven great-grandchildren, Kensington Fauth, Kyler Fauth, Bradley Dickens, Lucas Dickens, Emma Dickens, Isaac Thompson, and Ethan Thompson; sister, Doreen Koepke; and sister-in-law, Delores Thilges; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald; grandson, Michael Dickens; siblings, Darlene (Cletus) Zwiefel and Leroy Thilges, Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Darwin Koepke, Leland (Dorothy) Grein, Kenneth (Ruth) Grein and Harold Grein.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Epiphany Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City, with Rev. Ben Valentine, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Donna's family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in her honor to the Mike Dickens Legacy Foundation or Epiphany Parish Catholic Church.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel

126 3rd St NE

Mason City, IA

ColonialChapels.com

(641)423-2372