Donna Mell

Donna Marie Mell 1956-2025

Donna died peacefully surrounded by many loved ones. She was a woman that lived with her whole heart on her sleeve. She put everyone in front of herself her entire life. That’s how she lived and that’s how everyone will remember her. Many people have commented on what a wonderful human being she was. Donna was a dedicated CNA for many years at Nopeming Nursing Home before it closed but she spent so much time helping others within her work and her home life. She touched the lives of so many people! Donna’s love however, was riding horses in the forestry and racing at the Carlton County Fair. That’s where you would see her shine! On horseback was her church. As an animal lover, she spent the majority of her life surrounded by furry friends. The house growing up was always a constant revolving door of animals that needed saving.

Donna raised three children (Sarah Welsand 48, Jennifer Busch 42, and Dave Card 39) as a single mother and did it with grace. She was an amazing pool player and was known to hustle the tables for Easter basket and Christmas gift money with some left to spare to make the best meal ever.

Donna also enjoyed gardening and canning, her salsa was the best! On the farm where she rode horses, she spent many hours with her kids and her malamute Toby tending to the garden.

Donna was born in Cloquet, MN to Donald and Margaret Mell. She is survived by 5 sisters, Kathy (Bob) Winkler,  Susie (Bruce) Anderson, Chris (Steve) Borgeson, Wendy Mell, and Karen (Paul) Draeger. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Shayla (21), Brandon (19), Rylei (17), Ashlynn (8) and Cameron (6).

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 1pm- 4pm in the Fireside Room at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.AtkinsNorthlandFuneralHome.com.