Service Information
Donna L. Winegar, age 84, of Gaylord formerly Bloomington, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord.
Memorial Service will be Friday, September 26, 2025, 2:00 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sibley Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, with Private Family Interment in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at a later date.
Fellowship with coffee and treats will be at 1:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. (1 hour prior to the service) on Friday, September 26, 2025, ALL at the church.
Obituary
Donna Leah Winegar was born on November 25, 1940, in Onida, South Dakota, to Ed and Mabel (Seastrom) Nielsen. Donna was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education in Wessington, South Dakota, and was a graduate of Wessington High School class of 1958.
On February 19, 1961, Donna was united in marriage to James “Jim” Winegar in Wessington, South Dakota. After their marriage, the couple resided in Panama City, Florida, for a year while Jim served in the Air Force. Donna and Jim were blessed with two children. They lived in Huron, South Dakota, until 1968, when they moved to Minneapolis. In 1971, they settled in Bloomington. They moved to Gaylord in 2004. The couple shared 48 years of marriage when Jim passed away on July 10, 2009.
Donna lived a life filled with her love of her children, grandchildren, friends, cats and coffee. She was very smart and worked her way up from a teller to Vice President of banking in her life. She was sharp witted, loved crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, and dominos. Donna loved having coffee parties with her friends and serving at her church.
Donna passed away at Bayside Manor on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 84 years. Blessed be her memory.
Donna is survived by her:
Children, Greg Winegar and his wife, Pam of Prior Lake, MN, and
Heather Miller and her husband, Adrain of Sartell, MN;
Grandchildren, Anna, Rebecca, Taelyre, Kynnley, Jaymeson, and Carissa;
2 Great-grandchildren;
Brother, Jim Nielsen of SD;
Special Friends, Marlys and Pat;
her beloved cat, Mystic;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her Parents, Edward and Mabel Nielsen; Husband, Jim Winegar; Sister, Marlene Henninger; many cats.
Phyllis Dragovich says
We always got to laugh together and had a great time going up to the casino She always asked are we there yet. I will miss you a lot. Enjoy your time with Jim. Love you, friend Phyllis