Donna Marie (Langer) McRae

Donna Marie Langer was born on August 22, 1927 in Pierz, Minnesota, the youngest of seven children. She passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025 at Cedar Cottages in Bemidji. 

Donna lived through the Great Depression, WW II, and the incredible events of almost 100 years. 

At the age of 19 she married the love of her life, Sheldon D. McRae, and together they lived in many different places when Sheldon worked for the FBI. From St. Paul, Minnesota to Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine, they eventually moved to Bemidji, Minnesota in 1957 where Sheldon practiced law and they raised their five children, sending all five to college. Donna was very proud of that. 

Donna’s life revolved around her family, raising the children, supporting her husband and enjoying her friends and family. She was a bright light who brought fun and laughter with her wherever she went. She enjoyed bowling, curling, playing poker with her friends, going to the casino and hosting cook-outs at Lake Movil. Donna was a founding member of “Clucks” (Ducks) Unlimited and enjoyed being a part of that group for many years. Donna loved life. 

Donna is survived by her son Sheldon McRae Jr, daughters Cindy (Bruce) Hanno, Patty (John Freeman) McRae, and Kristi (David) Pond, her daughter-in-law Kristen McRae, her grandchildren Alison and Brittany, McRae and Donna, Alex, Shelby and Libby and her great grandchildren Chloe and Cami, Mia, Blakely, Sully, Reier and Willa, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon and her beloved son, John. 

Our gratitude to the staff at Cedar Cottages, Sanford Hospice and Fr. Blume of St. Phillip’s for their support and care.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

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