Devona Marie Meinhardt

Devona Marie (Gruber) Meinhardt (89), of Columbia Heights, MN, passed away on September 22, 2023, after a lengthy struggle with dementia. She was a beautiful lady with a great sense of humor and a quiet demeanor. Devona is now at peace in heaven with her husband, Roy (died 2013), and our Lord and Savior. Devona was born in March 1934 in Bertha, MN. She had a happy childhood growing up on the family farm. She told stories of milking cows in the morning before school, caring for the farm animals, especially the cats and dogs, and enjoying wonderful meals and get-togethers with family and friends. She was proud to be the great-great-great granddaughter of Franz Xaver Gruber, the composer of the Christmas song "Silent Night." Following her graduation from Bertha High School, Devona went to the Twin Cities to find a job and was immediately hired by Procter & Gamble. Devona married Roy Meinhardt in 1959. Though Roy's daughters, Jana and Darlys, did not live with them, Devona enjoyed the special times they were able to spend with them. Devona stopped working in 1962 when Tammy was born and then Teresa was born five years later. Devona was a wonderful mother and homemaker. When Teresa started school, Devona started selling Avon and continued selling for over 30 years. Roy was her volunteer delivery boy, oftentimes delivering orders on his purple motor scooter! Several years later, Devona started working at Midwest Federal. After retiring from there, she worked part-time at Herberger's department store which was a perfect match for our bargain shopping Mom who could get employee discounts to purchase those tailored and stylish clothes that she loved to wear. Devona is survived by her daughters: Tammy Meinhardt and Teresa (Brian) Jacobson and daughters through marriage: Jana (Craig) Gondeck and Darlys Kampa. Grandchildren: Brandon Jacobson, Steven Jacobson, Tina (Steve) Chmielewski, Amber (Brian) Schoenherr, Holly (Geoff) Gazett, Toni (Abderraouf) Slimi and Kelly Kampa. Great grandchildren: Alycia (Tyler) Midas, Ryan Chmielewski, Logan Schoenherr, Summer Schmidt, Sadie Schoenherr, Grayson Gazett, Kailey Gazett, Mohammed Slimi and Omar Slimi. Devona is also survived by sister-in-law Myrna Meinhardt. Devona is preceded in death by her husband Roy, parents Frank and Isadora Gruber, sister Lois (Harlan) Bowen, sister-in-laws: Marcella (Elmer) Arndt, Ruth (Alan) Smith and Alice (Ray) Rooney and brother-in-laws: Ernie (Eunice) Meinhardt and Arthur Meinhardt and great-grandchildren, Gabby Jo and Hailey Ann Gazett, twins, who entered heaven shortly after birth. We love you, Mom, and we will miss you so much. Thankfully, we know you are in a wonderful place, and we will see you again someday in heaven. Funeral service Thursday, September 28, 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 4101 Washington St. NE, Columbia Heights. Visitation 1 hour before the service. Interment Hillside Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or Alzheimer's Association.

Tributes

Devona Marie Meinhardt

March 22, 1934 - September 22, 2023

Tributes

Devona Marie Meinhardt

March 22, 1934 - September 22, 2023

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