Donnebelle Medved

Donnebelle Luverne “Donnie” Medved (née Benoit), age 98, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, in Mission Viejo, California, surrounded by family. Born on January 4, 1927, in Crookston, Minnesota, Donnie lived a long, faith-filled life marked by resilience and devotion.

She graduated from Cathedral High School in Crookston in 1944 and was employed as a secretary until marrying Leslie Martin in 1948. Northwestern Bell moved the family around Minnesota for several years until they settled in Wadena, where they raised six children. Donnie filled their home with love and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals—always followed by dessert. After Les's untimely passing in a hunting accident in 1971, Donnie, again, leaned on her faith to guide her forward.

In 1973, she married Jim Medved. The couple lived in Newport Beach, California, where Donnie was an active member of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. She served as a greeter and participated in the Bereavement Committee and SPIN for many years.

She faced many personal losses with grace and strength, including the death of her father at age nine; first husband, Leslie; three children—Jim Martin, Linda Donner, and Julie Martin; sisters— Dorothy, Therese, Gloria, Patsy, Jean, Geraldine; brother Darryl Benoit; and second husband, Jim Medved.

She is survived by her sister Virginia Lang; children— Mary Emmerich (Robert), Diane Broeman (Dwight) and John Martin (Sarah); nine grandchildren—Amy, Molly, Leslie, Elizabeth, Carly, Kyle, Virginia, Jack, and Dwight—and ten great-grandchildren— Derek, Devin, Gavin, Kelsey, Carson, Caitlin, Cara, Addison, Leon and Otto.

A Funeral Mass will be held on December 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM, followed by lunch reception, Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Parish, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, California. There will be a burial service in Wadena, Minnesota in June 2026, date not set.

May her memory bring comfort and inspiration to those who knew her.

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