Donna Mae Sommer, 73, a longtime resident of Owatonna, Minn., died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at the Owatonna hospital.

She was born Dec. 7, 1939, in Freeborn County, Minn., the daughter of Ernest and Lena (Williamson) Maixner. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School. Donna was united in marriage to Delbert Sommer on Jan. 23, 1960, at The Associated Church in Owatonna. Donna worked at the Minnesota Telephone Company prior to being married, moving to Owatonna and becoming a full-time homemaker.

Donna was a gentle soul and enjoyed cooking, baking, recipe books, doing word puzzles, playing cards, shopping, and people watching. She took great pride in taking care of her family and created many great memories. She also enjoyed the family cat, Lily, and they were great buddies.

Donna suffered from polio at the age of 10 during the polio epidemic. In her later years, she fought Post Polio Syndrome.

She is survived by her husband, Delbert Sommer, of Owatonna; daughter, Debbie Sommer, of Owatonna; son, Dennis Sommer, of Rochester, Minn.; sister, Margaret (and Buzz) Grisim, of Northfield, Minn.; brother, David (and Donna) Maixner, of Blooming Prairie; four nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Jeanne Rendall.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Michaelson Funeral Home with The Rev. Jim Oberg officiating. Interment will be in the St. John’s Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the family or donor’s choice.