Donna Mae Schmelzer

Donna Mae (Lamping) Schmelzer

Donna Mae (Lamping) Schmelzer, age 91, of Grand Rapids, Minn., passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on September 6, 1932, to Fred and Opal (Pierce) Lamping in Thompson, Iowa. She attended school in Iowa and Brainerd, Minn. On August 15, 1949, Donna exchanged vows with the love of her life, Marvin "Marv" Schmelzer, in Albert Lea, Minn. Their love story took them to the Iron Range in 1951, where Marv worked for the Hanna Mining Company, while Donna devoted herself to creating a warm and welcoming home. In 1956, they settled in Pengilly, where they nurtured their family for 38 beautiful years. Their adventurous spirit led them to spend three decades as snowbirds, basking in the sun of Arizona during the winters.

Donna was the heart of her family, embodying love, kindness, and hospitality. Her culinary skills were legendary, with her pies and sticky buns earning her rightful acclaim. A gathering at Donna's table was not just a meal; it was an experience filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Her home was a sanctuary, open to all, where guests were greeted with open arms and a feast for the senses.

A social butterfly, Donna cherished her coffee dates with friends, savoring each moment of connection. Her hands were as skilled with a needle and thread as they were in the kitchen, with her sewing projects reflecting her creativity and care. But above all, Donna's faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her.

Her devotion to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds, and she delighted in spoiling them with her famous "baggie-baggies", tailored with love to suit each grandchild's unique tastes. Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by son, Larry (Linda) Schmelzer; daughters: Judy Brown, Lana Hom, Candy (Chuck) Bloyer, Robin (Tom) Gangl, and Barb (Tim) Frigon; grandchildren: Chris (Heather) Brown, Eric (Jessica) Gangl, Nick Brown, Carissa Bloyer, Katie (Josh) Fahlin, Brian (Rossi) Gangl, Cheri (Matt) Bono, Luke (Jessica) Hom, Sara (Scott) Loss, Jenny (Craig Love) Frigon, Jill (Dustin) Hammer, Cassy Bloyer, Debra (Jeff) Lu, and Amanda (Matthew) Manning; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and brother, Gerald (Phyllis) Lamping.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 69 years, Marvin Schmelzer; two sisters, Pauline Nelson and Mary Wilson; three brothers: Glen, Harold, and Lowell Lamping; and sons-in-law, Loren Brown and Craig Hom.

Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Nashwauk Alliance Church in Nashwauk, MN. Visitation will begin at the church at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Nashwauk Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Nashwauk Area Community Fund.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.