Donna Nester

Donna J. Nester, 70, long time partner in the Marquee Gift Shop in Detroit Lakes, MN died suddenly on Monday, August 4 at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 8, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes with Father Jerry Rogers officiating. Interment is in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Detroit Lakes.

Friends may call 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, August 7, with a parish vigil from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at Holy Rosary Church.

Donna Jean Paggen was born June 14, 1938, in Perham, MN to Reinhold F. “Ole” and Sophie (First) Paggen. She spent her early years in Mahnomen, moving with her family to Detroit Lakes at the age of three. Donna attended Holy Rosary School and Detroit Lakes High School. She was united in marriage with Vincent A. Nester November 17, 1955 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. She worked for Eileen Mahoney at the Marquee Gift shop in Detroit Lakes while in high school. Donna took a break from her work to raise her children. Shortly after returning to work at the Marquee, she purchased the business along with Kay Larson and Eleanor Anderson in 1979. After a short time, Donna and Kay bought out Eleanor’s interest and became co-owners.

Donna was an avid bowler, having bowled since she was a teenager. She was at one time on a bowling team that included her Mother, her sister, Darlene, her niece, Deanie and a family friend, Lee Olson. Donna held the “High-Scoring” honor at Voyager Lanes in Detroit Lakes for a long time. She loved gardening and flowers, collectables, especially Hummel’s and “Bunny” rabbits, and creating photo albums.

Donna is survived by her husband, Vincent of Detroit Lakes; daughters, Elizabeth “Lisa” (Everette) Johnson of Bemidji, MN, Linda (Lonnie) Olson of Crookston, MN; sons, James Nester and John Nester of Detroit Lakes; six grandchildren, Erica Johnson, Benton Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Everette “Buddy” Johnson III, Larissa Olson, Anthony Nester.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother James, and a grandson, Nicholas.