Donna Mae Whoolery

Donna Mae Whoolery 90 years old of Brainerd, MN was called to her heavenly home by the Lord Jesus Christ on June 30, 2021 at Essentia Health St Joseph Medical Center. Donna was born on March 1, 1931 in Oakes N.D. to Ernest and Lydia Wedel. She spent her childhood on the family farm and graduated from Oakes High School. She attended nursing school and received her RN Degree. Donna met the love of her life, Elliot Whoolery, and they were married on May 31, 1950. During their marriage, they were blessed with 7 wonderful children and lived many places, finally settling in Brainerd. She and Elliot were longtime members of Zion Lutheran Church. While raising their family, Donna furthered her nursing education earning a degree as a nurse practioner. She practiced as a psychiatric nurse with great devotion. She had a passion for animals, especially cats and elephants, and supported many charities. She enjoyed being in her backyard with her gardens and wild birds. She was also an accomplished and adventurous cook Left to cherish her memory are her children; Denise (Jeff) Gray of Brandon SD, Stephen (Teri) of Fergus Falls, MN, Alison (Brian) Johnson of Avon, MN and Jeff Whoolery of Brainerd; son-in-law, John Seeck of Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren, Brian Gray, Elissa Stauffacher, Hayley Smith, Thea Harrod, Evan Whoolery, Catherine Kautt, Kristen Seeck; great grandchildren, Charlotte Kautt, Tristan Stauffacher, Graham Stauffacher, Juniper Harrod, Renley Smith and Landynn Smith; sisters, Janice Totenhagen, Patty Orn and Marilyn Tripp. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elliot; her daughter, Vicki Seeck, daughter, Lisa Ann; son, John Whoolery; her parents Lydia and Ernest Wedel; and her sister, Dorothy Rose. A service celebrating Christ’s victory over death by His glorious resurrection will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Elephant Sanctuary, 2nd Harvest food bank and the World Wildlife Federation. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd, MN. Caring for Donna and her family is the Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home Brainerd 218 829 3581