Donna Beecroft

Donna Rae Beecroft

September 25, 1949 - October 5, 2025

Donna Rae Beecroft, 76, of Fridley, Minnesota, passed away on October 5, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids after a courageous battle with cancer.

Donna was born on September 25, 1949, in Washington, Iowa, to Lyle and Sadie V Wilson. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri, where she began a career dedicated to helping others.

A woman of many talents, Donna worked as an elementary school teacher in Missouri public schools, sharing her warmth and knowledge with countless young students. She later brought her organizational skills to the accounting department at Target Corporation and served as a coach for Weight Watchers (now WW International), where her resourcefulness, positive attitude, great sense of humor, and encouraging smile inspired many on their wellness journeys.

Donna's charitable spirit shone brightly through her volunteer work as director of family homeless programs at St. William's Catholic Church and her leadership as co-president of the North Suburban New Neighbor Club. Strong-willed yet warm-hearted, she approached every endeavor with tenacity and a team-minded spirit that drew people together.

Those who knew Donna remember her as highly social, curious, and persistent, with a wonderful sense of humor that could light up any room. She found joy in cooking and meal preparation, gardening, poster making, travel, and reading. Her home was always welcoming, often filled with the aromas of her latest culinary creation. Her beloved cat, Cooper, and dog, Casey were cherished companions.

Donna married Ted Beecroft in 1984 in Minneapolis, finding love and partnership that enriched her life. She survived him in an automobile accident in 2017. Her spirit stayed strong through her community commitments and many close friendships and family ties.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Sadie V Wilson; her sisters, Beverly Wilson Walker and Carol Wilson; and her husband, Ted Beecroft.

She is survived by her siblings, R. Dean Wilson and Nancy Nollen; her special friend, Brian Hamilton; her nieces and nephews, Julie McLoud, Kim (Mark) Wykoff, Marsha (Ken) Eklund, Barbara Meyer, Jennifer Young, Tim Nollen, and Christine Nollen; her cousin, Donald Schnell; grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Johanna Nollen, Mattias Nollen, Tyler Nollen Davis, Leila Nollen Davis, Lillian Young, Alivia Young, Scott Young, and Hannah Young; as well as in-laws, Linda Wilson and Stanley Nollen.

Donna's legacy of kindness, determination, and joyful living will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Memorials preferred to the Church of St. William or the American Cancer Society.