Donna Mae Maercklein, 89, longtime Minot resident, died Monday, November 12, 2018 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born October 10, 1929 at Flaxton, North Dakota the daughter of Carl and Signa (Blomquist) Gerard. She was raised and educated at Flaxton before moving to Rock Lake with her family, where she graduated from high school.

Donna was united in marriage to Fred Maercklein on September 4, 1949 in Minot. They made their home in Minot. She attended the New York Hairdresser & Cosmetology Academy in Fargo and also the Make-Up School of Arts, where she specialized in commercial arts and color coding. In addition to raising their four children, she was also employed at Gen McFall's Beauty Shop and Artistry Hairstyling Salon. She was instrumental in establishing pedicures in the state of North Dakota.

She and Fred enjoyed spending their winter months in San Diego, CA for a number of years.

Donna was a member of the Christian Women's Club, YWCA, Joy Fellowship Art Club, After 5 Club. She was a former member of the Stephen Ministry at Our Redeemers Church, the Homemaker's Club, Missionary Women's Fellowship and did volunteer work at Trinity Nursing Home. Her hobbies included: quilting, painting, playing pinochle and bridge. She enjoyed traveling, reading, along with earning several art certificates over the years for her painting.

Her loving family includes : husband of 69 years, Fred; children, Cheryl Galan, Milford, NH; Tamara Tello, Milford, NH; Karen Trench, Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Dr Mark (Julie) Maercklein, Minot; 10 grandchildren to include: Elisheva & Jacob Galan; Nicholas Tello & Sarah Burns; Joshua Trench, Ali Artz & Paige Trench; April Maercklein, Ashley Eggl & Austin Maercklein; 2 great grandchildren to include: Haylee and Paris; her siblings: Irene Freier, and Betty Green.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; adoptive parents, Lorna and Harold Sand; brother, Darrel and a son in law, Michael Galan and sister: Ethelyn Pontius.

Funeral service : Monday, November 19 ^th at 1:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Sunday, November 18 ^th from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to the People Care Fund at Our Redeemers Church, Minot.
Maercklein Flower Pictures Correct