Donna Mae (or Mary) Peplinski

Donna Mae (or Mary) Peplinski, 90, of Winona, MN, entered eternal life peacefully on June 19, 2026, at Benedictine – St. Anne Campus in Winona.

Donna was born on October 26, 1935, in Mankato, MN, to John R. and Inez Hedwig (Young) Brown. She was welcomed into the family by her older sister, Patricia, and later joined by her brothers, John and Rich.

Before Donna began school, the Brown family moved to Winona, where she was raised and would spend the rest of her life. She attended Winona’s Catholic schools, beginning at the girls’ school and later continuing her education when the girls’ and boys’ schools merged to form Cotter High School. The Catholic faith she embraced as a young girl remained the foundation of her life.

Donna’s greatest love story began with David Allen Peplinski. While Dave proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army at Fort Hood, TX, Donna waited patiently for his return. Their courtship blossomed into a true military love story, culminating in their marriage on November 8, 1958, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Together they built a loving home centered on faith, family, service, and laughter.

While raising Tom and Lori, Donna devoted countless hours to serving her community through volunteer work with the Winona Health Auxiliary, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and St. Mary’s Elementary School. Her boundless energy, infectious smile, and vivacious personality attracted friends wherever she went. Donna never met a stranger and was the life of every gathering. Whether attending a party, hosting family, or simply running errands around town, she was known for her sharp sense of style. Her hair was always perfectly done, her makeup and jewelry thoughtfully coordinated, and her trademark red fingernail polish completed every ensemble.

One of Donna’s greatest sources of pride was her family’s business, Wapasha Construction Co., founded by Dave, Donna, and their son, Tom. She delighted in watching the company grow from its humble beginnings into one of the leading wastewater treatment contractors in the tri-state area. After Dave’s death in 2007, Donna was especially proud of the way Tom carried on his father’s legacy, stepping into leadership and helping build the company into what it is today. Before every project bid, Donna could be counted on to offer a prayer, trusting God to guide the outcome. She never took credit for the company’s success, believing instead that every opportunity and blessing came from above. Watching Wapasha flourish and seeing Tom’s dedication to the company were among the greatest joys of her life.

After her children were grown, Donna embarked on a professional career that perfectly reflected her servant’s heart. She began working at St. Anne’s as a switchboard operator. When the opportunity arose to become Volunteer Coordinator at St. Anne’s, Donna found her true calling. She recruited and inspired more than one hundred volunteers throughout the Winona community, including many local college students whom she treasured. Through her enthusiasm and encouragement, countless volunteers discovered the joy of serving nursing home residents, and many went on to careers dedicated to serving others.

After more than a decade at St. Anne’s, Donna accepted a new challenge as Blood Drive Coordinator for the American Red Cross in Winona County. Affectionately known as the “Vampire Lady,” she became a familiar face throughout southeastern Minnesota and beyond. Under her leadership, Winona County became a statewide leader in blood donations, helping save countless lives. Though she received numerous awards and recognitions for her efforts, Donna simply smiled, shook your hand, and continued serving others, often making phone calls late into the night to ensure every blood drive was a success.

In January 2020, Donna moved to Callista Court, where she quickly formed many cherished friendships and became a beloved member of the community. Despite the challenges of those years, she thrived there and enjoyed nearly five wonderful years surrounded by friends. Following a fall in late 2024, Donna moved to St. Anne’s, bringing her life’s journey beautifully full circle as she returned to the place where she had devoted so much of her time and heart.

Above all else, Donna’s Catholic faith defined her life. Her family lovingly referred to her as their “Prayer Warrior.” Whenever someone needed prayers, encouragement, or a reminder of God’s love, Donna was ready. Her faith was unwavering, her trust in God complete, and her compassion for others endless.

Donna is survived by her beloved children, Thomas (Colleen) Peplinski of Winona, MN, and Lori Ryan (Mark Gerard) of Minier, IL. She cherished her role as grandmother to Michaela (Ben) Johnson of Dayton, MN; Paige (Easton Gamoke) Peplinski of Minneapolis, MN; Elizabeth (Kevin) Summerlot of Danville, IN; and Christopher Ryan of Denver, CO. Donna was also blessed with her beloved great-grandson, Jackson Ryan McGaughey of Danville, IN.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Allen Peplinski; her parents, John and Hedwig Brown; siblings, Patricia (George) Degnan, Richard Brown, John Brown; and many other cherished family members. When God called Donna home, her family found comfort in knowing she went straight into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and was reunited with Dave, who had been waiting for her for nineteen long years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1303 West Broadway Street, Winona, Minnesota, with Father Russ Scepaniak presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

The family invites all who knew and loved Donna to join them in celebrating a life filled with faith, service, friendship, laughter, and love. The family is grateful for the compassionate care Donna received from the staff of Benedictine Living Community, especially Darcy, whose kindness and dedication meant so much to Donna and her family.

Memorials are preferred to St Mary’s Catholic Church, St Anne’s of Winona, or Cotter Schools.

May she rest in peace in the loving presence of our Lord.