Donna M. Kalmbach

Donna Mae (Sem) Kalmbach, 93, of Minot, North Dakota, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Fargo, North Dakota. She was born on Nov. 10, 1928, in Minot, North Dakota. She was raised in Stanley and graduated from Stanley High School in 1947. Donna, a love sparked by freshly-baked cookies, married LaVern (Bud) Kalmbach in September 1950. They were blessed with two children, Lane and Marcia. Donna was a wonderful homemaker. She provided a welcoming home and constantly was a gracious hostess. Donna was an avid reader and nurtured a curiosity for learning and reading in her children and grandchildren. She was a skillful gardener and created a beautiful garden in her patio. The holidays were always special at her house. She set an elegant table with a delicious meal, complete with Norwegian goodies. Donna was a class act with a witty sense of humor. Bud and Donna had many friends and family with whom they spent many happy days. After Bud passed away, she relocated to Fargo to be with her daughter and family. Donna is survived by: her daughter Marcia (Craig) Pool, Fargo; daughter-in-law Jennifer Kalmbach, Minot; sister-in-law Rose Kalmbach; grandchildren Colton (Meaghan) Pool, Bozeman, Montana; Alexander Pool, Mandan, North Dakota; Maxfield (Crystal) Pool, Fargo; Andreá (Joel) Johnson, Farmington, Maine. She is also survived by step grandchild Morgan (Ashley) Leigh, Minot; and great grandchildren Eban, Liam, Drake, Hollis, Laszlo, Meegan and Sawyer. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Esther Sem; son Lane; brothers Wally Sem and Dale Sem; step grandchild Sterling Leigh; mother- and father-in-law Anna and Chris Kalmbach; brothers-in-law Marvin Kalmbach, Ed Kalmbach, Bob Kalmbach, Herb Kalmbach, Les Kalmbach, Robert Swanson, Keith Emerson, Bill Vadnais and Floyd Shipman; sisters-in-law Mavis Kalmbach, Arlene Kalmbach, Marlys Kalmbach, Eleanor Vadnais, LaVonne Emerson, Marlyn Moericke, Shirley Shipman, LaVonne Emerson and Delores Sem. Donna’s funeral will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot.