Donna Marie Cowan
We celebrate the beautiful, love-filled life of Donna Marie Cowan, age 67, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, who entered into her eternal home on June 25, 2026. Donna was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose gentle spirit, endless kindness, and radiant warmth brought joy to everyone she met.
Donna was born on July 9, 1958, in Bowdle, South Dakota, to Jerald and Janice (Hornaman) Pfitzer. She grew up surrounded by a large family, developing a deep devotion to her loved ones from an early age.
On July 17, 1976, Donna married the love of her life, Rick Cowan. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in love, devotion, and family. Over their nearly 50 years of marriage, they shared countless adventures, raised four wonderful sons, and welcomed a beautiful generation of grandchildren who became the absolute joys of Donna's life.
Donna had a nurturing heart that shone brightly throughout her professional life. She spent many years working in retail, greeting neighbors and friends with her warm smile at Herberger’s and Heiser’s Jewelry. Her passion for helping others led her to dedicate herself to childcare and special education, where she made a lasting impact on countless young lives in both Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and Aberdeen, South Dakota. Her patience, warmth, and care made her a beloved figure to the children and families she served.
Beyond her work, Donna believed in embracing all of life's simple pleasures. She loved being near the water, whether she was relaxing at the beach, spending sunny days at the lake, camping under the stars, or enjoying peaceful rides on the pontoon. She was an avid walker and loved staying active. Donna also had a wonderfully creative spirit; she found great joy in ceramics, reading, crafting, and bowling. She was a fan of country music, loved the energy of live concerts, and was well known as a huge Minnesota Vikings fan.
Above all, Donna cherished gatherings with her family and friends. She was the ultimate holiday enthusiast, poured her heart into decorating for Christmas and Halloween, and made every holiday magical for her children and grandchildren. Her home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and everyone was welcome.
Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Rick Cowan; her beloved sons, Lance (Carissa) Cowan, Andy (Haley) Cowan, Josh Cowan, and James Cowan; and her eight cherished grandchildren, Cecilia, Naomi, Brecklyn, Willow, Graham, Hudson, Hawthorne, and Aspen, all of whom she adored beyond measure.
She also leaves behind her loving mother, Janice Hornaman; her siblings, Dave (Deb) Pfitzer, Mark Pfitzer, Dan Pfitzer, Cindy Pfitzer, and Heidi (Jamie) Richardson; her brother-in-law, Rob (Pam) Cowan; and her sister-in-law, Peggy Spencer; her special niece Meranda Buer and her daughters Airiana Buer and Briana Buer, along with many other dear nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Jerald Pfitzer; her stepdad, Dennis Hornaman; her beloved brother, Merle Pfitzer, her sister-in-law, Pam Pfitzer; and her brother-in-law, Jim Spencer.
Donna’s legacy of unconditional love, kindness, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She made the world a softer, brighter place, and she will be deeply missed but forever remembered.