Donna Lou Robinson, age 86, former resident of Lakota, ND, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at a nursing facility in Eureka, MO, while surrounded by her loving family.
Donna was born on August 21, 1938 in Grafton, North Dakota. She was the first child of Clifford Ingvald Mastre and Edith Adeline (Woolridge) Mastre. She was raised near the Grafton area where she went to a country school for her elementary years. Donna attended high school in Grafton and graduated with the class of 1955. Donna married George Robinson on June 23, 1956. They lived in Hensel, North Dakota for a short time before moving to Cavalier, North Dakota. George was drafted into the United States Army on November 13, 1958. They spent time living in both Texas and Colorado. Donna and George moved to Lakota, North Dakota in 1969. She worked as a custodian for the Lakota Public Schools for several years and later for the Lakota Lutheran Church. Alongside George, Donna also worked at the State Bank of Lakota and was caretaker of the Lakota Cemetery for many years. She and George were active members in the community and in the Lakota Lutheran Church throughout their lives.
In 2019, Donna moved to New Salem, North Dakota to be closer to her daughter and family. While in New Salem, Donna enjoyed meeting new friends and attending her granddaughter’s school events. She loved visiting people in New Salem’s downtown businesses and was a much-loved personality in the community. In the fall of 2024, Donna moved to Pacific, MO to live with her daughter and extended family.
Donna Lou was vibrant and full of life. She was extraordinarily talented at sewing, ceramics, and maintaining her beautiful flower gardens in the summertime. She loved fellowshipping with friends at the local pub–and everyone she met became her friend.
Donna will be greatly missed by her son, Jason (Kerri) Robinson of Mt. Pleasant, WI; daughter, Shawna (Matthew) Johnson of Pacific, MO; six grandchildren, Amber, Adrian, Allison, Abigail, and Andrew Robinson, Pearl Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister Joanne Davis; brother Larry Mastre; and a grandson.
Information regarding Donna’s Memorial Service, which will take place in Lakota, ND, will be announced in the coming months.