Donna Lausch

Velva

Donna Rae Lausch, 93, Velva, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at a Minot nursing home.

Donna was born on March 23, 1930, in Velva to William and Lillie (Smestad) Penn. She was reared and educated in the Velva area and graduated from Velva High School.

Donna married James K. Griffin in 1948. They had 5 children. The couple were later divorced. Donna then moved to Minot and worked as a waitress at the Riverside Supper Club and later at the Elks Club. She also worked hard to become a bookkeeper and had a second job at Don Moe Dodge and would work there during the day and as a waitress in the evening. By working two jobs for 57 years, she was able to raise all 5 of her children to adulthood. She retired at age 80. Donna was married to Walt Lausch after a 10-year courtship.

Donna was a volunteer for many years with the American Cancer Society. She was a member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Connie Monaco, Bath, NY, Julie Griffin, Madison, WI; son, Bill Griffin, Fargo, ND; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walt Lausch; daughter, Vickie Lykken and Peg Griffin; grandson, Cole Lykken; and her best friend, Shirley Sameulson.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Minot. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thompson-larsonfuneralhome3198. Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society or Ellison Assisted Living Facility in Minot. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 19, 2023.