LaDonna Mae (Holm) Rathje was born on September 28, 1932, in Tracy, Minnesota, to Arthur and Hazel (Owens) Holm. Baptized and confirmed at Garvin Congregational Church, she grew up in Garvin before moving to Balaton, Minnesota in the 3rd grade. LaDonna graduated from Balaton Public Schools and then attended Abbott Hospital School of Nursing, earning her Registered Nurse degree in 1953.

Later that year, on October 3, LaDonna married Curtis Edwin Rathje. The couple farmed in Rock Lake Township near Balaton before moving to Marshall, Minnesota, in 1986. She moved to Columbus, Nebraska in 2025 to be near her son and daughter-in-law.

LaDonna dedicated over 40 years to nursing, working at Louis Weiner Hospital in Marshall, Lyon County Home Health, and as a school nurse for Balaton Public Schools. Her passions included playing cards, fishing, traveling, keeping in touch with her many fellow nurses, and spending time with loved ones. She was also active in the American Legion Auxiliary, and Ladies Aid.

LaDonna passed away on February 27, 2026, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus, surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law. She is survived by her son Timothy (Valerie) Rathje of Columbus, Nebraska; grandchildren Brendon (Aliezah) Rathje of Lafayette, Indiana, and Hailey Rathje of Columbus, Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Curtis; son Daniel Rathje; brother and sister-in-law Marsden and Marilyn Holm; sister and brother-in-law Helen and Eugene Hobert; and sister and brother-in-law Roberta and Marvin Lewis.

LaDonna cherished her faith and was a devoted member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall and a former member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Balaton.

Funeral arrangements are pending for March 21 in Marshall, Minnesota. Details will follow as they are confirmed.