Donna Mae Kappel

Donna Mae Kappel, age 73, of Winsted, MN, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025.
She was born on November 15, 1951, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Walter and Fern (Wolfsteller) Yager. Donna grew up on the family farm in Waverly, where she learned the values of hard work and care for others-traits that stayed with her throughout her life. She attended country school and graduated from Howard Lake High School with the class of 1969.
It was at her graduation party that she met the love of her life, Gervase Kappel. The two were married on May 8, 1976, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter.
Donna held several jobs in her earlier years, including working at the canning plant in Winsted and at Tonka Toys. But her most cherished and meaningful role was that of a homemaker, raising and caring for her children with devotion and strength. She was known for being kind, nurturing, and a steadfast provider for her family.
She loved to bake, often trying new recipes she clipped from the newspaper, and took great pride in canning and pickling vegetables from her garden. In quieter moments, Donna enjoyed working on word search puzzles-always with her favorite pen in hand.
She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her love of home and family, and the simple joys she found in everyday life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Fern; brother, Glen (Jean) Yager; brothers-in-law, Victor Erickson, Fran Kappel, Marvin Kappel, Gilbert Kappel, and Leo Kulinski; and sister-in-law, Delores (John) Schweiger.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Gervase; daughters, Linda (Tom) Engelke and Sally Engen (Kevin Weinzierl); grandchildren, Chase Engelke, Leighton (Annella Lammers) Buhr, Harrison Engen, Tyler Engen, and Dustin Engen; and by their father, Jeff Engen; sister, Violet Erickson; brothers, Ted and Dave Yager; sisters-in-law, Carol Kappel and Glorian Kappel; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Chilson Funeral Home, 200 Fairlawn Avenue, Winsted, MN from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will take place the following day on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM with visitation one hour prior at St. James Lutheran Church, 1000 7th Avenue, Howard Lake, MN. Interment to follow at Dutch Lake Cemetery in Howard Lake.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com