Donna Kingzett

Donna Kingzett, 91, of Munich, ND, passed away May 25, 2022, at her home in Munich with her family by her side.

Donna Mae Shortridge Kingzett was born on February 19, 1931, to Wesley and Nancy (Bloomquist) Shortridge in the town of Calvin, ND. She spent her childhood years on the Shortridge farm near Calvin.  She attended the Grey Township Consolidated School for grades 1 through 7, and completed grade 8 through correspondence when the school closed.  Donna lived with her brother and family, Russell Shortridge, for her high school years while attending the Walsh County Agriculture School in Park River, ND.  She graduated in 1949.  Donna attended NDSU studying home economics.

Her many tasks growing up on the farm, helping care for her brother’s children, and attending NDSU laid the foundation for her skills as a farm partner and community member.  Donna enjoyed cooking for various crews, gardening both vegetables and flowers, sewing her daughters’ clothing, serving as a 4-H leader, and as an Auxiliary member.

Donna married John (JC) Kingzett on November 25, 1950.  They made their home on the family farm near Clyde, ND. Together they farmed the land, raised cattle and chickens for a time, and enjoyed the rural life.  Donna enjoyed driving the combine and truck during harvest when her daughters were old enough to manage the household.  When farm chores were caught up, Donna and JC took the family to Lake Melissa, Minnesota for a week of vacation.  Often other family members joined in the fun and memories were made.

Donna and JC’s home was often the location for the gathering of friends and family.  Donna always had meals and snacks prepared for guests to enjoy so that time could be spent visiting and sharing laughter. Upon retirement, Donna and JC built a home in Munich, ND.  They enjoyed their neighbors and trips to watch the Bison teams.  As members of the NDSU Team makers, they met many people who became great friends.

Donna continued to live in Munich in their home after JC’s death in 2007.  She attended her yard and gardens and home until this spring when ill health did not allow her to do so.  She remained in her home during her illness with the help of her family and The Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Donna was ahead of her time as an independent woman and served as a role model for kindness, compassion, and fun.

Donna’s loving family include her daughters:  Pamela Schuler and her husband, Duane, (Munich) and Julie Schuler and her husband, Bill, (Wood Lake); grandchildren: Jeremy and Lisa Schuler (Langdon), AJ and Gary Ringham (Fargo), Jennifer and Dave Schroeder (Cavalier), and Katie Schuler (Fargo); great- grandchildren: JT Ross (Berthold), Brenna Schuler (Langdon), Justin, Wesley and Josie Schroeder (Cavalier).  She is also survived by her brother, Jack Shortridge (Daunine), (Denver), sister Joanne Haug (Minneapolis), sister-in-law Cyrilla Shortridge (Grand Forks) and many loving nieces and nephews across the country.

Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband, JC; her parents; in-laws John and Garnett Kingzett; her brother and his wife, Russell and Isabelle Shortridge; brother Calvin Shortridge; her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Earl Olson; and her sister, Alayne Shortridge.

A private graveside service is planned as requested by Donna.  Memorials are suggested for Hospice of the Red River Valley which can be made online or to this address:

1701 38th St. S., Suite 101
Fargo, ND 58103