Donna Bergner

Donna L.(Lupkes) Bergner, age 92, passed away on August 15th, 2019. She was born in Nelson, Minnesota to Mabel and Ralph Lupkes. She attended Nelson Elementary School, graduated from Alexandria High School and then attended St. Cloud Beauty College. In 1948, she married Lyle Bergner, also of Alexandria MN. They moved to St. Peter MN, where Lyle attended college and Donna ran a beauty shop. Upon Lyle’s graduation, they moved to New Richland, MN where Donna owned and operated a beauty shop and raised seven children - Tom Bergner of Bemidji,  MN, Pat (Bruce) Breilein of Manchester, MI, Jeri (Dwayne) Escher of Garden City, MN, Mike (Barb) Bergner, Jodi (Tom) Quiram of Alexandria, MN, Jim Bergner of San Antonio, TX, and Jill (Neil) Schlaak of New Richland, MN.

Later in life, Donna went back to school at Mankato State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She taught at Waldorf – Pemberton Schools as a Phy. Ed. teacher and coach.

Donna and Lyle spent their summers at their lake cabin in Alexandria playing golf, boating, swimming, entertaining and enjoying their expanding family. Upon her retirement she and Lyle spent their winters in Mission, TX.

Donna’s 22 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren benefited from her love of music, dancing, lake activities and sports.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Jeri Escher, husband Lyle Bergner, parents Ralph and Mabel Lupkes, and sister Joyce Palmetier.

Even in death, Donna is promoting learning as she donated her body for medical research to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest program. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no public viewing or service.