Donna Jean

Kading

Donna Jean Kading, aged 100, died peacefully with her family at her side in the early hours of November 13, 2026, in Owatonna, MN. She was born Donna Jean Arndt on April 16, 1926, the first daughter of Helen (Detling) and George Arndt in Owatonna.

Donna lived her entire life in this community. In her younger years, Donna and her two sisters, Audrey and Norma, “The Arndt Girls,” became quite well-known locally for their skilled clarinet playing as a trio in the high school marching band. She loved playing golf and was an avid Bridge player.

On June 26, 1948, Donna married Leonard Kading in Owatonna, after he returned from WWII service in the US Navy. They shared a wonderful life together, and they loved dancing to the Big Bands of the 40's. They especially enjoyed time with extended family at their cabin on French Lake near Faribault, MN. The best summer memories included abundant laughter, fun, card games, marathon games of Tripoli, beach campfires, boat rides, and 4th of July feasts. Donna was employed at Federated Insurance from 1943-1966, and the Kadings owned and successfully operated the Deep Rock service station for many years in town. Donna and Len also travelled extensively, and they enjoyed seeing friends at the annual Navy reunions across the US. Donna was also quite lucky after entering all sorts of contests where she won several trips and other prizes as well.

After Len passed in 2016, Donna continued her weekly Bridge Club with her sister Norma and friends, and loved visiting with her nieces, nephews and their families. She lived independently in her home until the past 18 months where she received great comfort and care from the skilled professionals at Timberdale Trace as well as the compassionate team from St Croix Hospice. She was also lovingly cared for by her nephew, John Cawley and her niece, Jody Schultz Miller, her husband, Mike, and their children.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and George Arndt; her husband, Len Kading; sisters, Audrey and her husband Don Schultz, and Norma and her husband Bill Cawley; sister and brother-in-law-law, Delores and Don Nelson, and nephew, Gary Nelson.

Surviving her are nieces, Kim Cawley (Rick) Eppenstiner, Santa Fe, NM, Jody Schultz (Mike) Miller, Litchfield, MN, Jayne Cawley (Brian) Annis, Sacramento, CA, and Connie Nelson (Ed) Przyczkowski, Milwaukee, WI; nephews, Jay Cawley (Kirtlye), Santa Fe, NM, John Cawley, Owatonna, MN, and Steven Nelson, Milwaukee, WI; great-nieces, Emily (John) Emmons, Chico, CA, Maggie (Brian) Johnson, Bloomington, MN, Mollie (David) Knowles, Minneapolis, MN, and great-nephews, Jacob Annis and Charles Annis; great-great-nieces, Vivian Emmons, Lydia Emmons, Natalie Johnson, Ava Knowles, and Zara Knowles; and great-great-nephews, Tyler Johnson, and Alex Johnson.

Even though she suffered the ravages of cancer later in life, she will be known by her caregivers as always exhibiting a positive outlook on life, telling all who visited that she lived a good life, and she never felt like she had a bad day.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held one hour prior. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Owatonna in her memory.