Donna Rose Klein died on February 1, 2013, at the Gregory Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, South Dakota. Donna leaves behind her daughter, Cindy Klein-Hopkins, along with three much-loved grandsons (CJ Hopkins (17), Alex Hopkins (15), and Zachary Hopkins (13)). She also leaves behind her siblings, Lucy, June, Betty, and Carl.



She was born February 7, 1937, to Frances (Ernesty) and August Klein in a farmhouse near rural Colome, SD. Donna was raised with her eleven siblings, and loved them dearly. She shared stories of riding to school in her father's car, playing in the creek near their family farm, and attending high school dances wearing her "poodle skirts".



After high school, Donna moved to Omaha, Nebraska and worked at the Tip-Top Product Company for eleven years. During the time Donna lived in Omaha, she was in a serious car accident and luckily survived. With the help of her sisters, Delores Dappen (Klein), June Pravecek (Klein), and Betty Besmer (Klein) she continued to live in Omaha. Donna spoke fondly of the time she lived in Omaha and laughed about the "good times" she and her sisters' families shared.



When Cindy was four years old, Donna and Cindy moved back to Gregory, SD. Most of Donna's time was spent being a homemaker. Over the years, Donna and her sister, "Frannie", cooked at the Sportsman's Supper Club in Dallas, SD and also the Homesteader in Gregory, SD. They spent numerous hours cooking in the kitchen while laughing and talking. Both of them inspired their children to love cooking, spending time with family, cherishing those you love, and celebrating holidays. Donna was very active in her family, and always made spending time with them a priority. Throughout the years, many of her family members helped Donna create memories that lasted a lifetime.



Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Frances and August Klein. She is also preceded by her siblings, August, Albert, Johnny, Helen, Frances, and Delores. Donna had a large and much-loved extended family. We will all miss her smile, the love she shared, as well as her sense of humor.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gregory. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.