Service Information
Donna M. Zich, age 81, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, 11:00 A.M., at the Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, with a private family interment at a later date.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service at the church.
The service will be livestreamed at the Church of St. Pius X's YouTube page. Click on video below to watch.
Obituary
Donna Mary (Hackert) Zich was born on March 7, 1944, to Wilbert and Margaret (Schuelke) Hackert of Bellingham, Minnesota, along with six siblings. Donna was baptized as an infant and later confirmed into her faith at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosen, Minnesota, where the family attended and lived nearby on a farm.
Donna attended school in Bellingham and graduated from high school in 1962. She then pursued her education at the University of Minnesota Liberal Arts College while waitressing at Bridgeman’s ice cream parlor. Donna started her Medical Lab Assistant course at the University of Minnesota in September of 1963. Shortly after, she moved to Glencoe, Minnesota, to work as a Lab Tech for a private practicing physician in July of 1964.
On November 27, 1965, Donna was joined in marriage to Wally Zich. They were blessed with two daughters, Joan and Jolene. Donna, Wally, and family resided on a farm near Glencoe in McLeod County, where she participated in farm work and caring for the animals. Donna began working at the Glencoe Oil Company as the Bookkeeper there for a career of 41 years, proudly serving the Glencoe community with her love of people, gift for numbers, and willingness to help everyone without hesitation. Her legacy of having a hard work ethic is notable to all who knew her. Donna and Wally were blessed to celebrate 60 years of marriage on November 27, 2025. The two often enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends in Minnesota, as well as dancing and enjoying live music over the years with neighbors and friends.
In 2023, Donna moved to GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, where she enjoyed the care of wonderful staff, visiting with residents, and participating in activities. She loved leading the Rosary with residents and was known to do so often, as her strong faith in God was evident throughout her lifetime. Her lifelong love of music had her playing piano, bass horn in her high school band, accordion for her girls at home, and she used her beautiful singing voice to sing in choirs over the years. She always enjoyed sports, especially cheering for Glencoe High School teams, and later was often seen viewing a football, basketball, or baseball game, and she was an endearing fan of Minnesota sports.
Donna is survived by her
Husband, Wally Zich of Glencoe, MN,
Daughters, Joan Zich of Glencoe, MN, and Jolene Zich of Minneapolis, MN;
Sisters, Renee Marcotte and her husband, Duane, Carol Bredahl and her husband, Larry, Cindy Riedner;
Brothers, Peter Hackert and his wife, Anne, Fran Hackert;
Many cherished nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her father and mother, Wilbert and Margaret Hackert; brother, Lee Hackert and his wife, Cleone, and their son, Jeff; and sister-in-law, Sue Hackert.
Duane and Joan Vinkemeier says
Wally.. Joan.. Jolene… Our deepest condolences to your family. Donna will be missed deeply. Our prayers are with you all.
Barb Johnson Portele says
Wally and girls, we are so sad at Donna’s passing.
Bob Novak says
Sorry for your loss.
Bob Novak
Ronald Pulkrabek says
My deepest sympathy to Wally and family.
Gone are the good old days of Country Western dancing at the Litchfield VFW and places north.
Now Donna is some place up there with Eileen.
See you soon.
Ron Pulkrabek
RaNay and Bob Lentsch says
Wally and girls, we are very sorry to hear about Donna. You have our deepest sympathy.
MaryAnn Thalmann says
Wally and family,
So sorry to learn of Donna’s death. We worked together with music for a long time at St. Pius. I also was privileged to “do” her hair on occasion.
May she rest in eternal peace. You have my deepest sympathy.
Julie Prochaska says
Wally, Joan and Jolene,
We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing! Know that we are sending hugs and prayers! Can you imagine the conversations that are happening? I’m sure you can, I sure can. OH and the laughs, I can hear hers as I type! Hang on to everyone of those giggles, they are the best memories! Again sending our condolences.
Julie and Bill
Janet Bielke says
Wally, Joan and Jolene, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I spent many coffee breaks with Donna when we both worked in downtown Glencoe. lots of good memories. My sympathy to each of you.
Laurina Zajicek says
Sorry to hear Donna passed away. I enjoyed visiting with her when I was there.
Renee and Duane Marcotte says
Donna is a beautiful sister of mine who worked very hard all her life. I know she is now whole and healthy and enjoying family, friends and Jesus. We will truly miss her, but she left Wally, Joan and Jolene to enjoy memories with.
Mike Nemec says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for Donna Wally and the girls I always enjoyed seeing her she made me smile and laugh I will sincerely miss her Mike and Brenda Nemec
Paulette Kostecka says
Wally, we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you and your daughters upon the loss of Donna, one you loved very much. Donna was never a stranger once you met her. Whenever we ran into the two of you, Donna was sure to strike up a conversation. We have fond memories. May God grant you peace and comfort today and in the days ahead. God’s Blessings.
Francis Hackert says
I will miss my wonderful older sister Donna. I so enjoyed stopping to visit on my way hunting or just going for a nice motorcycle ride. My sincere condolences to you Wally, Joan and Jolene for the loss of your loving wife and mother.
Love Fran