Donna Mae (Roberts) Kautz went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 15, 2024, at Heritage Estates. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2024, at 1:30 pm at Mitchell Berean Church with Doug Keener officiating. A private family burial will be held after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date. Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be left for the family online at www.dugankramer.com
Donna was born on October 14, 1936, on the family homestead west of Lyman, Nebraska, to Joy and Elfreda Roberts. Her siblings included Elsie, Jim, and Mary. At an early age, she learned to care for the chickens, pigs, and cows (including milking, which she loved). Summers were spent working in the fields, picking potatoes, and hauling in hay for the winter. Donna attended Lyman grade school and then transferred to Huntley, Wyoming, for junior high and high school. She was a top student and an avid reader. Donna graduated with several honors and received many scholarships. She attended Scottsbluff Junior College on a scholarship. There she met the love of her life, Larry Kautz. They were married on February 12, 1956. On October 4, 1962, Donna’s prayers of six years were answered, and she gave birth to her precious daughter, Kristina. She devoted her life to supporting Kris. She wore many hats as room mother, bus driver, chaperone, confidant, school board member, Blue Bird Leader, and 4-H leader. She also shared her love with two foster daughters. Donna was a bookkeeper by profession and spent over 50 years working for various clients and businesses.
Donna’s main love was her family. She was a wonderful wife, mom, and grandma. Donna was active in their everyday life and never missed an event, concert, or show. She was always their biggest cheerleader and fan. She also took great pride in her yard and home. Her place was surrounded by beautiful flowers, an enormous lawn, and a bountiful garden that she loved to share with family, friends, and neighbors. Above all, Donna loved Jesus. She was active in the Methodist Church in Mitchell and later on in the Federated Church. What a reunion must be going on in Heaven. Donna loved all the people in her life. From the people she worked with early in her life to those who cared for her later in life and all those in between. She was known for her bright smile and wacky sense of humor. She will be missed!
Welcoming her home are her husband and love of her life Larry, her mom and dad Joy and Elfreda, sisters Mary Misner and Elsie Stivers, brother Jim Roberts, brother-in-law Ray Kautz, one niece, and three nephews.
She is survived by daughter Kris (Dave) Keener; granddaughters Alisa (Brock) Houston and Michelle (Ty) Goossen; Great-Grandsons Graydi Cash, Huxtyn Jak, and Cord; sister-in-law Rosie Kautz; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Heritage Estates who loved and cared for Mom with such dignity.