Donna Esther Darlene Haataja

Donna Esther Darlene Haataja (nee Paurus) of Baxter, MN, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Bethany Nursing Home in Brainerd, MN. Donna was born to Alexander Paurus and Hilja Myers on August 22, 1935, in Meadow Township, Wadena County. She was united in marriage to Harvey Haataja in 1953. She was a devoted mother to her seven children, whom she loved unconditionally. While raising a family on the Iron Range, Donna also worked at the Arrow shirt factory in Gilbert, MN. In 1984, Donna and Harvey moved from Eveleth, MN, to Menahga. She worked at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home and was also involved with the quilting group at Redeemer Lutheran Church and volunteered at the St. Urho Museum. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Haataja, in 2005; her cousin Dorothy Stewart in 2013; and her brothers Rueben, Harold, Bernard, Marvin, and sister Margie. She is survived by her seven children: Larry Haataja of Eugene, Oregon; Deborah Haataja-Deratany of Indialantic, FL; Ranae Butala of Brainerd, MN; Luann Haataja of Virginia, MN; Sherry Sonneson (Gary) of Isanti, MN; Kevin Haataja (Kimberly) of Eagle Point, OR; and Keith Haataja of Rogers, MN. She has several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many devoted relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, December 9, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Pastor John Ramsbacher will officiate. Ruth Ann Kinnunen will serve as organist. Casketbearers will be Brad Butala, Matt Sonneson, Ryan Sonneson, Keith Haataja, Daryl Kimball and Terry Kimball. Interment will be at Menahga City Cemetery.