Donna J. Drlaca

It is with profound sadness that the family of Donna Jean Drlaca announces her peaceful passing on March 8, 2025 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth with family by her side. She was born on January 19, 1956, to Carl and Saima (Tamminen) Hanson in Hibbing, MN. A lifelong resident of the area, Donna graduated from Hibbing High School in 1974. She married the bohunk of her dreams, John Drlaca, to whom she was a devoted wife for the last 50 years. Donna worked for many years as an inspector for Hibbing Electronics and during that time earned many certificates from training and classes through Hibbing Technical College. Her and John started their family in 1975 and after her third child, became a stay at home mom as being a mother was her true calling. Eventually she became a grandma and absolutely adored her grandkids. In her down time, she enjoyed playing her favorite games on the computer and relaxing with her Johnny. She had an uncanny sense of humor and a laugh that you could never forget. Donna was completely selfless and would often go without to make sure others were taken care of. She loved unconditionally. Our 4 foot 11 and a half inch warrior princess of a mom took great pride in being a wife, grandma, friend and caregiver. To end with something Donna always said through tough times, "This too shall pass".

Donna is survived by her loving husband John, children Sarah Drlaca, Johnny Drlaca and Michael Drlaca, grandkids Tyson (Darby) Drlaca, Jayden Albert, Jaxon and Jazmine Gangl, Jathan and Ian Drlaca, siblings Kelly "Arlene" Kohler, Barbara Hanson, Margaret Simmons, Linda Morrow and Richard Hanson, in-laws Bernie (Michelle) Drlaca, Barbara (Bobby) Gherardi and Mary Ann (Larry) Greski, dear friends Tracie Wood, Amber Pearson, Justin Gangl, Ross Albert, Kairstin Linn and Brittney Hakola, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Ann Drlaca, brother John Hanson, in-laws Ginny Drlaca, Sam Drlaca, Joe and Patricia Pecharich and nephew Bobby Fillman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the First Lutheran Church in Hibbing. Pastor John Dietz will officiate services. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church and Monday, March 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing. Interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery columbarium.