Dona Mae Lechner

Dona Mae Lechner, 92, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the St. John’s Campus on Fountain Lake in Albert Lea, MN. A memorial service will be held at 2pm, on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN with visitation to be held for an hour prior. Pastor Randy Cirksena will be officiating.

Dona was born on May 23, 1933 to Nanko and Jennie DeRaad in Albert Lea, MN. Growing up, she helped her father at his Mobile Gas Station in Clarks Grove. A fond memory of hers was winning a certificate when a fan-belt salesman asked her to look over his car and let him know what was wrong. Dona opened the hood of the car and noticed he needed a new fan belt.

As an adult, Dona loved to garden in the spring and summer. When she wasn’t outside tending to her garden, she could be found sewing, quilting, crocheting, cross-stitching, and even upholstering furniture. She also enjoyed doing word search puzzles and watching the game show channel. Dona often repeated her father’s words: “The older you get, the dumber you get.”

Dona is survived by her daughters Barbara Langerud and Jeanette Beenken; grandchildren Logan (Marion) Beenken, Hillarie Langerud, and Natalie (Andrew) Marshall. Great-grandchildren Jarrett Langerud, Julian Langerud, and Brynn Marshall. Brother Leslie DeRaad Sr. along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dona is preceded in death by her parents Nanko and Jennie DeRaad; a son lost in infancy Baby Boy Hojberg; sisters Joan McGregor, Ruth Waldemar, and Betty DeRaad. Sister-in-law Manuella DeRaad; and nephew Leslie DeRaad Jr.