Donna J. Hermes, age 73, of Owatonna, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Benedictine Living in Owatonna after a long courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was born on November 17, 1951, to the late Don and Betty (Ramey) Stadler in Iowa Falls, IA. Donna was raised in the area where she was born until her senior year of high school when her family moved to Lincoln, NE, graduating from Lincoln East High School in 1970.

Donna met her husband and the love of her life, Jim Hermes, in Lincoln while he was attending the University of Nebraska. Their bond quickly grew, and on May 22, 1971, they were married. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three sons – Jason, Chris and Justin-who brought immense joy and pride to Donna's heart. Wanting to be closer to her parents, Donna and Jim moved their young family to the Owatonna area, where they continued to raise their boys surrounded by love and support.

Donna's deep love and protective spirit toward her children inspired her to become a daycare provider at Kid's Korner. This passion later blossomed into her own in-home daycare, where she continued to nurture and care for children as a devoted caregiver. Her warm and kind-hearted nature touched countless lives-strangers quickly became friends, drawn in by her genuine charisma and welcoming presence. Donna's selflessness was a guiding light to many; she never hesitated to help those in need. Her legacy of compassion continues through her final act of generosity-donating to medical research, a gift that will help her improve and save lives for years to come.

Donna is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jim; their three sons: Jason of North Sioux City, SD, Chris (Karen) of Waseca, and Justin (Jenny) of Owatonna; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Deb (Tim) Rule; her brother, Dale; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Benoit; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dennis Benoit.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna with Monsignor Thomas Cook officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass. Donna will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna.