Donna K. Pursley

Donna Katherine Pursley (née Huber), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2025 at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on August 29, 1936, in Aitkin, Minnesota, to Francis and Marie Huber. On January 14, 1956, she married the love of her life, Richard Leo Pursley, also in Aitkin. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised eight children. In 1969, the

family moved to Litchfield, Minnesota, where they continued to grow roots in the community. After 35 wonderful years of marriage, Donna lost her beloved Richard to cancer in March of 1991.

A woman of deep faith and compassion, Donna was a devoted member of St. Philip Church, where she found purpose and joy in volunteering and worship. Her strong faith and generous spirit touched many lives, and she developed cherished friendships within the church community.

Donna had a zest for life and a heart full of warmth. She loved playing bridge and 500 with friends, golfing, and never passed up a good deal on a stylish pair of shoes or a purse. She was known for her elegance and grace, always carrying herself with kindness and class.

Her greatest joy came from her family. Her home was a welcoming haven, often filled with the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and warm cinnamon rolls. Her grandchildren especially loved her homemade goulash and the way she cheered them on at every sporting event.

Donna’s kind heart, caring demeanor, quick wit, and love for life were evident to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and community.

She is survived by her seven children: Deidre Mulenburg (Mark) of Hutchinson, Dennis Pursley (Shelly) of Rice, Dori Pursley of Lewistown, MT, Richard Pursley II (Eileen) of Maple Grove, Dale Pursley (Renee) of Litchfield, son-in-law John VonWahlde of Kimball, Darren Pursley (Ann) of Mendota Heights, and Diane Barr of Eagan; sister Bernadette Dahlhauser of East Moline, IL; 17 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Pursley, her daughter Dana VonWahlde, and her grandson Luke Mulenburg; her parents, Francis and Marie Huber; her sister Margaret Johnson; her brothers Aloysius “Little Al” Huber, Anthony Huber, Thomas Huber, and James “Butch” Huber.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, MN on April 30th, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will take place at the Church from 5:00 to 7:30 PM on April 29th, 2025 and one hour before the service. We are grateful to all at Ecumen of Litchfield for Donna’s care and kindness to her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Ecumen of Litchfield. (ecumenoflitchfield.org)