Donna Joy Bickford (Aaser), age 71 of Bethel died April 11, 2024 in Coon Rapids. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Friday, April 19 at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti.
Donna was born November 26, 1952 in Grand Forks, ND to Gladys (Lee) & Harold “Bud” Aaser. Born with a hole and 4 major defects in her heart, Donna wasn’t expected to survive from birth. At the age of 5, she was the youngest child to survive open heart surgery at the University of Minnesota thanks to Dr. Lillehei and his team of experts. By the age of 13, Donna and her younger brother Bob were orphaned and sent to live with their half sister Jackie (Harlen) Miller. They were then raised alongside Jackie & Harlen’s children, Jeff, Lynn, Jim, and Lori.
Donna graduated from St. Francis High School in 1973 and married her husband Harold, June 16, 1973. They were blessed with 3 children, Becky, Susan, & Jason, who they raised in St. Francis.
Donna remained a stay at home mom for the majority of their childhood and later took a job at Diversified Plastics in Brooklyn Park. She worked there as an assembly worker for 20 years. She retired after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. After a long, tough battle, she beat breast cancer in 2012. She was then diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2016. Donna fought hard with each medical challenge through her life and always beat the odds. She lived a long and joyful life despite the struggles she was dealt.
Donna was a kind and loving person who thought the world of her family and enjoyed camping, scrapbooking, craft/antique shopping, crossword puzzles, and had a green thumb in gardening. She was loved by all who met her and will be missed dearly.
Donna is survived by her husband; Harold, her daughters; Becky Bickford, Susan Perro (Damion Johnson), son; Jason Bickford, 8 grandchildren; Tyler Bickford, Brianna Noakes (Dennis), Taylor Perro, Dominic McChesney, Jacob Perro, Olivia Bickford, Emily Bickford, Liam Bickford, 1 great grandson; Grayson Noakes, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents; Gladys & Bud Aaser; sister, Jackie Miller; brother, Bob Aaser; brother-in-law, Harlen Miller; nephew, Jeff Miller; and beloved dog, Daisy.
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