Donna (Gigrich) Fries

Fries, Donna M.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother

Passed away peacefully at age 91, surrounded by her children on April 6, 2021. A longstanding resident of Roseville, Donna was preceded in death by Neal, her loving husband of 58 years, parents Richard and Agnes Gigrich, brother Richard Gigrich, and sister Joanne McGrane-Kulp. Her memory will be cherished by her 7 children – Mike (Sue), Tim (Patti), Tom, Patti, Mary (Jerry) Brown, John (Mariko), and Lori – as well as 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her dear brother James (Gleysis) Gigrich, and her many nieces, nephews, and friends.

With her tireless energy and remarkable efficiency, Donna made sure her seven children always had a bright, well-ordered home in which they could thrive. Her greatest joy was in seeing us happy in each other’s company, and never more so than on the dance floor at weddings or during much-anticipated celebrations of birthdays, graduations, and holidays – above all, the luminous Christmases that she began preparing for months in advance. The warm memories of all these days and the shared companionship of the large, lively family she gave us continue to bind her children together.

A private mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Roseville, MN. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to a children’s charity of donor’s choice.

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