Donna Marie Schrantz

Donna Marie (Schaffer) Schrantz, 85, of Rochester, died on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at the Pillars of Lakeville.

Donna was born on July 29, 1939, in Linton, ND, to Ignatius and Emilia (Gabriel) Schaffer. When Donna was six, her father moved the family from rural ND to Bismarck to ensure his daughters had a good education. Donna started the first grade at Catholic School in Bismarck, having only ever spoken German. Donna graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School and went on to get a teaching degree at Minot State University. She began her teaching career in Mandan, ND, teaching the fourth grade. It was in Mandan that she met and fell in love with a junior high math teacher, David. She used to say that Dave caught her eye because he was tall, and since he was from Minnesota, she knew he was her ticket out of North Dakota. Donna and Dave were married on December 28, 1963, in Bismarck. They chose a winter wedding so that Donna could finish the school year because, at that time, the state of North Dakota did not allow young female teachers to be married. Shortly after getting married, Dave got a job in Bucks County, PA in computer programming. They spent just over two years in Pennsylvania before moving to Rochester, MN, for Dave's job at the Mayo Clinic. They later built a home in Pine Island, where Donna picked up her teaching career as a substitute teacher. Donna went back to school and got a degree in special education. She taught special education for several years and then moved to teaching first grade and third grade in Pine Island. At the core of her being, Donna was an educator. She enjoyed connecting with young people and was especially fond of sharing her love of reading.

Donna and Dave spent their retirement years traveling and wintering in Ft. Myers, FL. Donna loved attending anything her grandchildren did and spent hours reading as a life-long learner. When Dave passed away in May of 2023, Donna moved into the Pillars of Lakeville to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her children; Daniel (Diane) Schrantz, Dana (Stephen) Sohm; grandchildren Kathryn Sohm, Eleanor Schrantz, Abigail Sohm, Sophia Sohm, and Hyacinth Schrantz; siblings Sally Nagle, and Emma Sunderland.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, David, and her brother, Robert Schaffer.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, March 21st, 2025 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal PL NW, Rochester, MN). Visitation will be on Thursday, March 20th, 2025 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, MN.

Memorials preferred to Alzheimer's Research or Habitat for Humanity.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schrantz family.