Donna Lennon
Lennon
Donna Jean Lennon
February 23, 1931-July 8, 2016
Donna Jean Lennon, 85, died on July 8, 2016 in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born on February 23, 1931 in Edmore, North Dakota to John Louie Anderson and Clara Elizabeth (Olson) Anderson.
She attended school in Edmore. Donna and Cliff Lennon were married in Devils Lake on October 5, 1949. They lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then in the North Dakota communities of Cooperstown, and Wolford, before moving to Knox, North Dakota in 1965. After Cliff died on April 10, 2008, she continued to reside in Knox for four years, then made her home in Rugby.
Donna was a faithful caregiver and leader throughout her life. She enjoyed sharing her faith and was very involved at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rugby. She was a long-time Sunday School teacher, and cherished guiding youth to know Jesus’ love for them. She was active in W.E.L.C.A. and served as president for many years. As a participant in the GIFTS Program, she served as a worship leader in area churches. In the community, Donna was a strong leader, including serving as the Mayor of Knox for 10 years. Donna was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as State Chaplain, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She used her time and talents to help others, including as a greeter at the hospital, and a member of
the Heart of America Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary. She served as a hospice volunteer and often fixed hair for the residents of the Haaland Home in Rugby. She was a devoted supporter of the athletic activities of her children and grandchildren, and also enjoyed being on the local bowling team. She took pleasure in caring for her many pets. Family and friends will remember her baking, especially her Scotcharoos, donuts, Scandinavian treats, and her delicious knoephla soup.
Donna is survived by her two daughters, Carla (Jim) Wolf Wolford; and Linda (John) Jensen West Fargo/Sharon; and her two sons, Dale (Christine) Lennon Bismarck; and Donald (Donita)
West Fargo, North Dakota. She also leaves 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and a sister, Marlene (Darryl) Klein Minot; 14 nieces and nephews; and others who lovingly called her grandma.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; and sisters, Jeanette Knudsvig, Inez Wilhelmi, Geraldine Anderson, and brothers, Virgil, Lyle, Russell, and Richard Anderson (infant); nephews, Keith, Wayne and Allen Knudsvig; Eric Anderson; and son-in-law, Kenneth Hager.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rugby on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Rev. Becky Worner and Wallace Fretland will officiate. The casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Jeremy Wolf, Jennifer Ramsey, Tessa Bride, Jared, Trevor, Cody, Alexis, and Luke Lennon. Her great-grandchildren, Connor and Drake Ramsey, Lincoln and Preston Bride, and members of the American Legion Auxiliary will serve as honorary casket bearers. Donna will be buried in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
Visitation will be at the Niewoehner Funeral Home in Rugby on Tuesday, after 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.; and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and an hour before
the service at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rugby.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.