Donna Theissen, 85

Donna Theissen, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on March 2, 2011.

Donna was born in 1925 to Lester and Lilly Wallace in Pilot Rock, Ore., and was the youngest of four children. Donna graduated from Kendrick High School and attended Kinman Business College. Throughout her life, Donna worked as a bookkeeper in several businesses. Donna was married to John Theissen in Geneese, Idaho and the couple had two sons, Dennis and Nicholas. After her husband died in 1963, she finished raising her boys in Clarkston, Wash.

 Donna was involved in her children's school and extracurricular sporting activities, and was very proud of their athletic accomplishments.

 After Donna retired, she relocated to Whitefish in 1993 to be near her eldest son, Dennis and her brother, John Wallace. Donna was active in the Whitefish community during the fifteen years she resided in Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Donna volunteered at the North Valley Food Bank, the Soroptomist, the Whitefish Historical Society, the CCW and the Veteran Women’s Association. In addition to the satisfaction she found in volunteering, Donna also enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting and visiting with family. Most recently, Donna worked part-time in the office of her retirement community.

Donna was always willing to share her expertise and skills with others; she remained vital and independent through her last days.

 Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lilly Wallace; her husband, John Theissen; and her youngest son, Nicholas Theissen.

Donna is survived by her three siblings, John Wallace, Glenn Wallace and Ervalyn Hill; her eldest son, Dennis Theissen, and his wife, Ginger; her daughter-in-law, Jeannie Theissen; her four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Donna will be dearly missed by her family.

 A mass will be held in Donna's remembrance at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Whitefish and services will be held at a later date in Clarkston, Wash.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the North Valley Food Bank, 311 E. First St., Whitefish, MT 59937.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.