Donna Robbennolt
December 28, 1936 ~ August 31, 2020
Donna Robbennolt, 83, of Gettysburg, passed away Monday, August 31, 2020 at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Graveside services followed at 2:15 p.m. at Catholic Cemetery.
“There’s nothing more important in life than family and friends and there is no job too large to handle, nor one too small not to lend a hand” was the philosophy of life for Donna Louise Robbennolt who was born to Robert and Dorothy (McGilvrey) Bown, December 28, 1936 in Thief River Falls, MN. As a young child the family moved to a farm in Northwest Hyde County where she attended country school and graduated from Gettysburg High school in 1954. On May 21st, 1955 she married Gene Robbennolt at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Donna led a very busy life, raising three children and being a very active member of the community, serving on many boards and belonging to many clubs and organizations including, Oahe M & M Extension Club, several arts councils, American Legion, Sacred Heart Alter Society and Dakota Sunset Museum, just to name a few.
She wasn’t just a member of these organizations. She dedicated herself to them and it showed as she received Good Neighbor Award 1986, Citizen of the Year 1988, Legionette of the year in Gettysburg and the district 1997. The most prestigious award came in 2011 when she received the Eminent Homemaker of the year for the state of South Dakota. The word “NO” was not in her vocabulary!
Donna loved gathering with her group of friends portraying many different characters in parades and programs throughout the area. Traveling and seeing many parts of the world was also very exciting for her. Reading, crocheting, gardening, playing cards, board games, singing in community groups and exercising were the things she enjoyed in her free time.
Her love for her family surfaced every single day, whether it be a delectable treat from her kitchen or attending grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events.
Grateful for having shared in her life are her children and grandchildren: Mark (Anne) Robbennolt, Bobby (Jaimie); Micki (Joe) Izzillo, Elicia (Chris) Byrne, Angela (Scotty) Miller; Steve (Laurie) Robbennolt, Amber (Andy) Mikkelsen, Tyler (Kelsey) Fischer, Michael Fischer, Katelyn (Chris) Ampe, Blake (Blair) Robbennolt, Kelcey Robbennolt; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Jeff; sisters: Janet, DiAnn, JoAnn, Robbie, Vicki and Kate: brothers-in-law, Ed, Dick, and Jim; sisters-in-law, Judy and Pris; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gene; parents, Robert and Dorothy; parents-in-law, Max and Mary; brother, Jerry; daughter-in-law, Marie; grandson, DJ; and brother-in-law, Dan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to: Keep Hope Local, c/o Stacy Larson, 127 Hilltop Dr., Gettysburg, SD 57442.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Donna’s arrangements.
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Mark, Micki, Steve and families,
We were so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have fond memories of her from when we lived there and we all went to Warn school.
Praying God will give you the comfort, strength, and peace you need now.
In Sympathy,
Steve & Judy (Larrington) Seefeld
Mark, Micki, Steve and family. Words cannot lessen the sorrow of losing your mother. As time goes by, may you find comfort in the memories of all the things that made her special. I have wonderful memories of being neighbors in the country. With deepest sympathy.
Our hearts are with you all! Donna was so incredibly kind to me when we lived in Gettysburg. She always had a big smile and helpful attitude. “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord “ Isa 62:3
Donna was my 4th grade teacher at Ash Grove School. Very nice lady.
I am so sorry for your loss. I realize how much it hurts but all the FABULOUS memories will give you some comfort.
PSALM 91 Is a very powerful, verse 4:
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler
Mark, Micki, Steve and family. I was saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. I grew up as neighbors to the Robbenolts and spent time at country school , babysitting for her children. and many events over the years. Donna was a friend to many. Always friendly and helpful. Cherish your memories. Patty and Charles Pathmann
My deepest sympathy to the family of Donna. She had such grace and kindness when I met her through the American Legion Auxiliary. What a wonderful lady. May you always hold her memories dear.
My sincere condolences and prayers. Donna was an exceptional person.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gladys Hagny
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry for the loss for your family. Thinking of all of you.
Gladys Hagny
Mark, Micki, Steve and families,
Our hearts are broken to hear of Donna's passing. She made the world a much better place by being here. She will be truly missed. Sending all of our love. Glenn & Paula Hjelle
Our prayers and deepest sympathies to Mark, Micki and Steve and all of your families. Cherish the memories.
Steve, Micki, Mark and Family,
Being born and raised in Gettysburg I have known your Mom and Dad my whole life. Our paths crossed so many times over the years as they involved themselves In contemporary issues and the ‘doing of good’. From church to politics…..to family and back, they distinguished themselves so many times. It was an honor to know them. Your Mom was a unique and special woman…. She will be greatly missed. Thinking of you and yours.