Donna Horn

Donna Jean (Mirtica) Horn, 86, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s hospital on Monday May 6, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on October 1, 1932 in Duluth, MN to Frank and Angeline Mirtica. Donna was raised in Duluth and spent several of her childhood years in St. James Orphans Home, with her two beloved sisters, Gloria “Jim" and Carol. Donna enjoyed reminiscing about her days there with the other children. Donna and John “Jack” Horn married and had six children together. They moved to Seattle in 1958, where they lived until 1970. After moving back to Duluth, Donna was an owner of Horn’s Grocery for many years. She was a dedicated worker and above all, a devoted mother. The passing of her young son, Frank, was a tragedy from which she never fully healed. Donna was very family-oriented and loved children and her many German Shepherds. Donna wanted to be there for her family more than anything, outliving her medical prognoses many times over the past thirty-five years, as she battled a variety of cancers and illnesses. She was the definition of resilience and courage.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved son Frank, husband Jack, sister Jim Sandvick, brother Frank Mirtica, sons-in-law Randy Ball and Steve Marshall, and many cherished dogs. She is survived by her children Jeannie Ball, Julie (David) Wicker, Tim Horn, John Horn, and Annette Marshall, grandchildren Mark, Jennifer, Amy, Stephanie, Heather (Lee), and Aaron, as well as great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Carol Legarde, Marie Warner, Theresa Olsen, Joann Nelson, Cathy Marshall, Michael Mirtica, and Jon Michael Gegenfurtner, Sister-in-law Sister Beverly Horn, and special niece Gail Masonholder.

Special thanks to the nurses at St. Luke’s Infusion Center who shared their kindness, support, and dog stories with her during the past several years.

VISITATION: Friday, May 10th. from 2-3PM, followed by the funeral service at 3PM at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials directed to the family would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.