Mpls, MN - Donna Mae Gunderson-Rogers, 91, of Minneapolis died November 22, 2025, of natural causes.

She was born April 4, 1934, to Ralph and Mary Beernink (née Murray) in Pipestone, Minnesota.

Donna grew up in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Raised in the Presbyterian Church, she was an ardent atheist for her entire adult life. She attended Macalester College where she earned her Bachelor's in English, and the University of Minnesota where she earned a Masters in English and a Masters in Speech Pathology. She worked as a Speech Pathologist in Pediatric Neurology at the University of Minnesota Hospital until her retirement.

A proud and doting mother, Donna had three sons: Christopher, 61, a professor of sociology; Jonathan, 59, a professor of philosophy, and Nathaniel 51, a labor organizer, by her first husband, professor of philosophy, Keith Gunderson (d. 2013). She married her second husband, professor of microbiology, Palmer Rogers (d. 2002) in 1981.

Donna lived a full and complete life on her own terms. She was an avid bridge player, reader, and participant in many book clubs. She played several instruments, performing Renaissance-period music with Musica Antiqua with whom she toured internationally, and later developed an enthusiasm for shape note choral singing. She lived at various times in New York City; France; Oxford; and Los Angeles, and travelled very widely over the course of her life - from Antarctica to Zanzibar and many places on every continent in between. As she explained, "The thing about traveling that was so special to me wasn't about any place in particular- it's that the world didn't frighten me from its doors - It made me so much less afraid." Known as a second mother to many, she was an excellent cook, and a generous host, always prepared for unexpected company. Her Kenwood home welcomed a wide array of guests, often long-term, from many places and walks of life. Unassuming in demeanor, she excelled in bringing people together.

Donna is survived by her sons, Christopher, Jonathan, and Nathaniel; their spouses, Jessica Klonsky, Catherine Gunderson, and Leah Lindeman; her stepchildren, David and Seth Rogers and Meredith Sokoloski, and her grandchildren, Lucy Gunderson Klonsky, Joseph Gunderson Klonsky; Ella Gunderson; and Alice Gunderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mary Beernink, her siblings, Joyce and Lester Beernink, and her stepson Ethan Rogers.

Her family is planning a small private memorial. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations to the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee - Education Fund in her memory are encouraged and may be made at:

https://www.givemn.org/organization/Mirac