Donna M. Carter, 77, of Rockford, died peacefully at home Saturday, December 30, 2017, and is now restored in the presence of the Lord. She was born November 26, 1940, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, the daughter of Oscar and Mearl (Trane) Aarness. Donna was a graduate of Elbow Lake High School class of 1948. She moved from Minnesota to Belvidere after high school where she met and married Bob Kolar February 23, 1960. They moved to Rockford in 1967 and enjoyed 35 years of marriage until his death in 1995. In 1998, Donna married Bob Carter and they spent the next 20 years together. Bob and Donna loved to travel, especially to her ancestral home in Norway. They also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, a few trips to Anchorage, AK a trip to Cabo San Lucas and trips to visit grandchildren in Lapine, OR, Fall River, MA and Mooresville, NC. She worked in retail sales at Sears Roebuck for 30 years, enjoying her “regular” customers. She was a good neighbor and friend and cared deeply for those in her life. She lived her life always with a hearty laugh and brought laughter to all. She loved to “try” and sing Norwegian songs, which would bring laughter especially to her grandchildren. She enjoyed serving at the soup kitchen and attending Bible Study Fellowship with her daughter, Sandy. Donna was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed serving with Bob. The most cherished memories were of times spent at Woodsmoke, the family cabin up north for the past 40 years snowmobiling, boating and entertaining family and friends. Her presence will be sorely missed “up north”. Donna was a loving example of how to care for others, and her life, love and laugh will be missed and always remembered dearly.

Survived by her husband, Bob Carter; children: Brian (Tina) Kolar, Sandy (Mark) Tanaglia, step children: Bob (Jane) Kolar Jr., Karen (Mike) Aymx, Randy Carter, Joe Carter, Jane Vowles, Jim (Kathy) Carter, Bonnie Shoemaker, and Son-in-law, David Fountain, grandchildren: Monica Kolar, Jordan (Jessica) Tanaglia, Janelle Tanaglia and step grandchildren: Kathryn and Lisa Kolar; Sara Tanaglia, David Paul Fountain, Jennifer White, Justin and Jessica Carter, Joseph and Dustin Carter, Seth and Sam Vowles, Shelby and Paige Carter, Carter and Colin Shoemaker, Caylin Muller , 13 great grandchildren, 1 step great great grandchild, sisters: Gloria Hanson and Verna Hennen; brothers, Vernon and Leslie Aarness. Predeceased by her parents; husband Bob Kolar; sister, Laverne Sillerud; brothers , Earl, Marlin, Mervin, Delane Aarness; step children: Dorothea Fountain; Son-in-law, Martin Vowles and daughter-in-law, Joy Carter.