Donna Jean Bergdahl (Derbis)

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Donna Jean Bergdahl (Derbis), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Donna, a longtime resident of Brooklyn Park, passed away peacefully at her home on December 30, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so dearly.

Donna was born on February 17, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to John and Helen Derbis. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1965 and went on to marry her high school sweetheart, David Bergdahl, on June 22, 1968. Their love story spanned 61 beautiful years and was the foundation of a family filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering support.

Donna was a deeply loving and dedicated mother to her children, Dan, Donny, and Deanna, and a proud, adoring Grandma to Carter, Gavin, Abbey, Tristan, Grace, Quinn, Joey, Owen, and Martie. Family was always at the center of Donna's heart. She and David spent countless hours-often on anniversaries-on the sidelines of soccer fields cheering on their children. As the family grew, Donna could be found in the stands at hockey rinks, football fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, dance recitals, and even the bike racing Velodrome in Blaine, MN. Grandma Donna was their biggest fan, and no one ever doubted how deeply she loved them.

A passionate Minnesota sports fan, Donna especially enjoyed sharing game days with David while cheering on the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, and most dearly, the North Stars and Wild.

Donna had a heart of pure gold and touched the lives of those around her. She could strike up conversations with complete strangers, often ending the conversation with a hug. A natural optimist, Donna always chose kindness and saw the good in everyone. She made the world brighter simply by being in it, and those who knew her are better for having been loved by her.

She found peace and joy in nature, spending hours gardening, searching for agates, feeding the deer, and lovingly tending to her many birdfeeders. A devoted animal lover, Donna treasured each of the family pets who brought her joy over the years: Susie, Barney, Charlie, Dino, Tigger, Rosie, Daisy, Lilly, Gracie, Stella, and Lucy, as well as her granddogs.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Derbis. She is lovingly survived by her husband of 57 years, David; her children Dan (Kris), Donny (Heidi), and Deanna (Matt); and her treasured grandchildren Carter, Gavin, Abbey, Tristan, Grace, Quinn, Joey, Owen, and Martie.

A celebration of Donna's beautiful life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Champlin, with more details to follow. In Donna's memory, donations may be made to the Animal Humane Society.