Donna Mae Ruhland, age 88, of Montgomery, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2026.
Donna was born October 5, 1937, in Erin Township, Minnesota, to Stanley and Estelle (Janovsky) Krocak. As a young woman, she attended beauty school in St. Paul and loved sharing stories about the house she and her classmates lived in near the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Donna and her husband, Roger John Ruhland, made their home on a farm in Montgomery, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. A devout Catholic, Donna lived her faith through the warmth, kindness, and care she extended to others.
She held a special place in her heart for children. During her years working in the Tri-City United School District, Donna understood that some children arrived at school carrying more than their backpacks. When a child was upset or had experienced a difficult morning, she was always ready with a hug and a soft place to land.
Donna was also a devoted supporter of the Montgomery Redbirds and an active member of the Montgomery community. She was crowned Montgomery Kolacky Days Queen in 1953 and later held the distinction of being the oldest living Kolacky Days queen. Well into her 80s, she could still be found smiling and waving from a red convertible in the annual parade.
Donna exuded warmth. Whether she was attending a football or hockey game for one of her grandsons, visiting her great-grandchildren, or stopping by because she knew family would be at the farm, she was there. If you looked up or looked down, Donna was there. She loved her family wholeheartedly, including those who joined it along the way, and made each person feel loved as her own.
Some of the family’s most treasured memories of Donna were made during the holidays, especially Christmas, when she could often be found wearing her signature color, red. She also looked forward to her annual tropical vacations and loved sharing stories, particularly memories of the younger years she spent with Roger John.
Donna carried her daughter Deb’s memory with her throughout her life, keeping her close through the stories and memories she lovingly shared with her family.
Donna is survived by her son, Roger “Mike” Ruhland and his wife, Dawn; sister, Karen Parsons (Tom); grandchildren Cori Ruhland and Justin Ruhland; bonus grandchildren Erica (Tim) Larsen and Matthew Duffy; bonus great-grandchildren Emma and Sophie Larsen and Tucker and Dottie Duffy; and many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger John Ruhland; daughter, Deb Ruhland; parents, Stanley and Estelle Krocak; and dear friend, Carol Lilla.
Donna will be remembered for her deep faith, generous heart, joyful spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Most of all, she will be remembered for showing up with warmth, a hug, and a love that made everyone feel like family.
Donna will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery. Military honors will also be held for her late husband, Roger John Ruhland, and brother-in-law Robert Ruhland. Following the cemetery service, family and friends are invited to a social gathering at Carol Lilla Memorial Park in Montgomery to celebrate Donna’s life.