Donna Rae (Stremick) Coyle

April 16, 1941 - Sept. 16, 2025 A funeral was held October 3, 2025, in Brainerd, Minn., for Donna Rae Coyle, 84, of Hillman, Minn., who passed away from complications of dementia on Sept. 16, 2025, in Brainerd. A future private interment will be held at

Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Donna was born April 16, 1941, in Langdon, N.D., to Ralph and Lorraine Stremick. After graduating from St. Alphonsus High School, she pursued a career as an x-ray technician in Minneapolis and Los Angeles. Later, Donna was a pharmacy clerk for 10 years at Roberts Drugs in Woodbury, Minn.

Donna and Jerry were married Oct. 24, 1961, in Imperial Beach, Cali. They welcomed children Carla and Mike while living in the San Diego area. Donna and Jerry were partners in life as well as in his career, moving across the country for his various positions in San Diego, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, El Paso, and St. Paul. Donna became an expert at packing up and settling her family in the new location. She was always quick to find friends and a bowling alley wherever she was. Finally, they retired to build their home on Platte Lake near Hillman.

In the Platte Lake community, Donna was the longtime treasurer of the local Lions Club. Cheerfully, she donated her time to many charitable events like the holiday weekend hot dog sale, the annual fishing tournament, and she chaired the Christmas wreath sale.

Donna and Jerry became active members of Zion Lutheran Church in 1990. She was a devoted Christian, serving faithfully as a secretary, usher, and enjoyed singing in the choir.

A lifelong bowler, Donna’s favorite activity was league bowling. She was a talented bowler with several 500 and 600 series. She enjoyed being treasurer of her league for several years. Donna loved traveling to the national tournaments with her teammates. At her final tournament, Donna was honored by the US Bowling Conference with a plaque for 30 years participation. Additionally, Donna loved traveling, golfing, snowmobiling, Twins baseball (especially Joe Mauer), and the Vikings. She loved to cook for a crowd, fried countless tacos, and always made Christmas beautiful. Donna was a good sport with a quick wit and a friendly greeting for everyone. She was a proud Grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandsons.

Above all, Donna was devoted to her loving family and friends. She is survived by Gerald, her husband of 64 years; daughter Carla Coyle Connelly; son Mike (Angie) Coyle; grandchildren: Steven (Madi) Olson, Jacqueline Olson, Rebecca (Spencer) Austing, Jacob Coyle, Allison Coyle, and Mason Coyle; great-grandsons Arlo Olson and Henry Austing; siblings Kenneth (Dianne) Stremick, Candace (Gary) Bimler, and Mark Stremick; aunt Beverly Myers; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; brother Gary Stremick; and sonin-law Michael K. Connelly. Despite dementia, Donna remained her friendly and feisty self and continued to make new friends along her journey. Our heartfelt thanks to the caring teams at Pierz Harmony House, Pierz Villa, and St Joseph’s Hospital, Brainerd. We appreciated the many cheerful visits from family and friends. Thank you for your love and support. May Donna’s spirit continue to live in the hearts of all who love her.

Arrangements were entrusted to Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home, Brainerd.