---

Donnamae Grace (Mills Crain) Aldrich-Zellner, of North Branch formerly long time resident of Shafer, passed away June 10, 2026 at Ecumen in North Branch at the age of 94.

Donna was born July 21, 1931 to Gregory and Violet Mills. She grew up near Lake Nokomis. She attended Roosevelt High School and graduated in 1949. Donna mostly worked in retail customer service. She worked at Sears on Lake St, sold furniture and for a time sold cars. She also was a Home Health Aide with Chisago County. Her last position was in the mail room at Hazelden from which she retired.

Donna loved to draw and paint. Her favorite subjects were landscapes, flowers and horses. She had a special affinity for animals, especially horses, birds, chipmunks and lil toads. Starting in childhood she loved to ride and spent many hours in the saddle. Donna was funny and goofy. She always had a witty comeback. At times her humor could be a little risqué, but that was part of her charm. A good adventure was always in the making and if one was suggested, she was in. She loved to spend time with her family.

Donna is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Charlot and John Kusick, granddaughter Abby Fuhre, grandsons Aaron and Noah Rogers, Joel and Matthew Kusick, great grandsons Devin Walker and Jayden Kressa, brother Gene, sister-in-law Sharon, stepdaughter Shirley, nieces and nephews, Mills and Malmberg cousins.

Donna is met at the gates by her parents, three husbands Don, Ed and Bob, her daughter Kathy and son David, brother Bill and sister Marilyn and brother-in-law Ken, sister-in-law Marcy.

Special thank you to Briana and Holly from hospice. She loved you both.

All the resident aides...Thank you. You gave her great care.

Where there is great love, there is great sorrow.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Linwood Covenant Church (6565 Viking Blvd NE) Wyoming with a visitation starting at 10:30 a.m.   Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Center City. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Branch.  Condolences maybe expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

---