DonaLee Bornholdt

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Bornholdt, DonaLee of Brooklyn Center, joined her Lord/Savior and best friend/beloved husband Don, April 22, 2017, two days before her 87th birthday. After furthering her education from the Mpls Vocational School, DonaLee met Don at Frontier Engineering. He worked as a draftsman in the shop, while she worked in the front office doing payroll and other duties. While working for this employer, the company started a bowling league, and Don asked DonaLee to join the team he was on. It was during this time they became best friends, and then fell in love. They married on December 24th, 1956, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Don and DonaLee enjoyed doing most everything together. During their years together they enjoyed nature, camping, fishing, boating, traveling in their cherished RVs, and hunting. It was either in the late 1960s or early 70s, they started taking dance lessons at North Hennepin Community College. This is when they developed a love with dancing. They enjoyed all the people they met, and all the wonderful opportunities that dancing provided them. Don and Dona Lee became King and Queen of Polka Lovers Klub of America (Po.L.K. of A.) in 1981-82. There is a photo of them dancing in their polka outfits on the cover of an album entitled, "Minnesota Polka Dance Music From Four Traditions, which was created by the Minnesota Historic Society. They were also featured in an article printed by FMC, where Don was working at the time. They won many trophies throughout all their years of dancing too. This well liked and loved couple danced at many ballrooms and dancing events throughout the State of Minnesota, and several other States. DonaLee worked at Maranatha Nursing Home in Brooklyn Center for 10 years, before accepting a job with the Mpls Public School system. She worked as a Para-professional with special needs for several years. She enjoyed her interaction with students and staff before finally retiring. She taught Sunday School in her younger years, and enjoyed attending church at various times throughout her life. Other activities DonaLee enjoyed during her life was going to the Minnesota State Fair, watching the news on WCCO-TV, listening to music, reading, nature, animals, pets, involvement with Relay for Life, and interacting with and helping others. DonaLee is survived by her son Samuel E. (Bev) of Ohio, a granddaughter Anne J. (Scott) Iacoboni of Nevada, and three great-grandchildren Alexis Anne, Samantha Rose, and Christian Scott. She is survived by her daughter "Barnie" M. C. Bornholdt, who returned home with her "feathered" son Baby, before Don died. She did this due to the request of her parents, as DonaLee developed physical limitations and needed assistance to remain in her home. She is also survived by Chuck Porter, a dearly loved and cherished friend, who upon Don's requests stepped in to "watch over his girls." Since Don's death, DonaLee and her daughter were frequently seen together going wherever and doing whatever. She will be remembered by her daughter for the importance of living for the Lord is far better than just talking about it, having a very loving/kind/tender heart, quick to express appreciation for anything done for her, quick witted, laughter/humor, good times, sharing memories, offering encouragement to others, love for nature, music/educational/vocational accomplishment of both her children, being the greatest momma, and a wonderful Grammy-Gram to Baby Boy her beloved little Grand-bird. Interment Glen Haven Cemetery.Funeral service Thursday 6/1 at 10:00 am, with visitation one hour prior, all at: Washburn-McReavy.com Glen Haven chapel 763-533-8643 5125 W. Broadway, Crystal

Published on May 28, 2017