Donna Fraase, 63, of Fargo, North Dakota passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Bethany on 42nd under the care of CHI Health at Home and Hospice, Fargo winning her 39-year journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Donna Jean Fraase was born September 29, 1958 to Earl and Elsie (Zick) Fraase in Fargo. Donna was baptized and confirmed at Buffalo Lutheran Church. Her Lutheran faith was always a constant leading her throughout her life. She grew up and attended school in Buffalo, North Dakota graduating from Maple Valley in 1976. Donna than attended Moorhead State University for one year and was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority before transferring to Valley City State University obtaining a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
In 1979, Donna married John Kohler. Their daughter Brooke Fraase Kohler was born in 1982.Donna worked as a program director for people with disabilities from the mid-1980s until 2008 in Valley City, Fargo, and Alexandria, Minnesota. She also worked for a brief time at Job Service North Dakota – Fargo. The High Soaring Eagle Ranch in Valley City always held a special place in her heart as Donna worked there for nearly ten years. In 2008, MS took over Donna’s physical ability to work, but she remained determined and worked for IC Systems in Fargo before retiring.
In 2014 and 2016, she was given the title “Oma”, meaning grandma. Anyone who knew Donna knew that her grandchildren brought her great joy, as did her beloved Caribou Coffee white turtle mochas.
She remained “independent” throughout her 39-year journey with MS. She taught her caregivers that being “independent” does not mean necessarily having the physical ability to do something but having your mind and directing your care in the way you choose. Which she did until the time of her death.
Donna is survived by her daughter, Brooke (Brian) Gubrud of Valley City; grandchildren, Holt Gubrud and Ree Gubrud, Valley City; sisters, Diane Smith of W. Des Moines, IA, Linda Steidl of Fargo and Cheryl (Norm) Diehl of Springfield, IL; her goddaughter Karin Vomacka of W. Des Moines, IA and her nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Jim Smith.
Per Donna’s request a private family graveside service with inurnment will be held in the spring of 2022 in Buffalo Cemetery. Please no flowers. Memorials may be directed to the High Soaring Eagle Ranch, Valley City.
Thank you to all mom’s caregivers over the years, especially Sasha, Tasha, Jackie, Noreen and all her favorites at Bethany on 42nd. You are loved.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com