Donna Louise (Tomlinson) Loud

Donna Louise Loud (Tomlinson) 82, passed away the afternoon of January 23, 2021 in Blackduck, Minnesota after an extended illness.

Donna was born in Sioux City, Iowa in 1938 to Robert Tomlinson and Hazel Larson Tomlinson and was raised on the family farm in Iowa later moving to Luverne, Minnesota. She received her nursing certificate in 1959 and began a career in nursing that took her to Bemidji, Minnesota, a place that would become her home. In1960, Donna married the love of her life and best friend, Clarence Loud from Red Lake. Donna and Clarence welcomed son Jake in 1961 followed (very) shortly by son Jerry in 1962.  Clarence passed away in 1983. Donna was an honorary member of the Red Lake Nation.

Donna spent 44 years as a nurse at Bemidji Community Hospital, now known as Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. She served for 20 years as an operating room nurse and later in numerous hospital departments until her retirement.

Donna was a woman of many passions, however, she considered her most important role to be that of a devoted mother to her sons. Donna was well traveled and visited Alaska annually. She was also always ready for a road trip.  Donna was a master of “her yarn” and would gift friends and family with her exquisitely crocheted afghans and baby blankets.  She generously donated her time and talents to provide her afghans to non-profit organizations for fundraising auctions.  To have known Donna is to know that she was a passionate fan and follower of her beloved Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.  On any given day, she could tell you the pitching rotations, player stats, and who was on the injured reserve list. Any team manager would have been proud to have her on the payroll or at the very least, cheering in the stands.

Donna leaves behind: sons Jake (Patty) Loud and Jerry Loud; grandchildren Caley (Alyse) Loud, Samantha (Art) Cummings, Angela, Emily & Natasha; brother Robert (Dianna) Tomlinson as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

She was predeceased by husband Clarence Loud and her parents, Robert and Hazel Tomlinson.

A private ceremony will be held for Donna at Fort Snelling National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with husband Clarence.

The family would like to thank the staff of Good Samaritan Society Assisted Living Facility of Blackduck, Minnesota, for their compassionate care as well as Donna’s physician Dr. Will.

Condolences can be made on-line on the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home tribute wall, or mailed to the Loud Family at P.O. Box 140062, Salcha, Alaska 99714.