Donna Manning, 94, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Greenleaf Assisted Living, Thief River Falls, MN.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN on Monday, October 14, 2024 with Pastor Clay Ellingson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Donna Beverly Hoard was born November 17,1929 in Thief River Falls, MN to Henry and Alma (Knutson) Hoard. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. She attended school in Thief River Falls at Washington Elementary and Lincoln High School. Donna married William "Bud" Elleson on August 8, 1948 in Thief River Falls and to this union six children were born, Danny, Carol, Peggy, Bonnie, Jim, and Judi.

Donna worked at Jung Bakery at a young age. In 1957, the family moved to Duluth, MN where Donna worked at Minnesota Woolen Company in the sewing department while raising her young family. In the summer of 1963, the family moved back to Thief River Falls where she was employed at Dow Key Co before beginning work at Arctic Cat in the sewing department. She was proud to have made one of the first Arctic Cat snowmobile suits. She also worked in the Arctic Cat plant.

While working at Arctic Cat, Donna met Marvin "Marv" Manning, and the couple were married on July 2, 1973. Following this union, they moved to Gary, MN. At that time, Donna worked at the nursing home in Twin Valley and later, at the school in Gary. She later worked at Marvin Windows in Warroad, MN where the couple enjoyed camping during the summer months.

Donna and Marv also loved spending many summers at Lake Sarah in MN and winters in Yuma, AZ.  Donna moved back to Thief River Falls when Marvin passed away, living in an apartment, followed by a move to Valley Home and then to Greenleaf Assisted Living.

Donna loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She especially loved babies. Donna was known for her quilting and proudly received a grand champion ribbon at the Pennington County Fair. She enjoyed making quilts for all her family members. Donna was a master seamstress and made most of her children's clothing as they were growing up.  She made beautiful crocheted items and embroidered hundreds of dish towels. She was an avid reader, oil painter, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Donna is survived by her children, Danny (Jan) Elleson of San Antonio, TX, Carol (Paul) Ihle of Thief River Falls, MN, Peggy (Lee) Simmons of Moorhead, MN, Bonnie (Dwight) Johnson of Thief River Falls, MN, Jim (Elizabeth) Elleson of Austin, TX, and Judi (Rick) Brunner of Park Rapids, MN; step-daughters, Darlene Baker of Ada, MN, Karen (John) Rothschadl of Waubun, MN, and JoAnn (Dale) Luchau of Ada, MN; grandchildren, Nichole (Rugger) Gottsacker, Rochelle (Jimmy) Maglothin, Kate Ihle (Teague O'Mara), Lesley (Nate) Schmid, Peter Ihle, Joe (Chelsea) Ihle, Sara Simmons, Allison (Nathan) Skalsky, Kim (John) Kiel, Cory (Amy) DeLap, Angie (Steve) Vanderport, Becky (Jeff) Lannoye, Vanessa (Ben) Mertes; great-grandchildren, Harry, Charlie, Bella, Mia, Austin, Cora, Soren, Isaac, Randy, Tyler (Kaitlyn), Cierra, Madisyn (Ty), Brooklyn, Avery, Sebastian, Chloe, Damon, Nate, Taylor, and Tanner; great-great-grandchildren, Beau, Eli, and Wrenley; as well as step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband Marvin; her parents, Henry and Alma; siblings, Elaine (Albert) Koop, Betty (Harold) Swanson, Eric (Barb) Hoard, Robert Hoard, and an infant brother, James Hoard; grandchildren, James Elleson Jr. and Jamie Elleson; and stepson, James Manning.

The family extends their appreciation to Greenleaf Assisted Living for the care and comfort she received while living there.

Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com