Donna Kay (Kottke) Peel of Helena, Montana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3rd, 2017 at home at the age of 65. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of eighteen years, Wally Peel, son Bill Tamol (Jennifer), daughter Mindi Tamol Morales (Jeremiah), and daughter Katey Kottke Fossum (Lee). Donna is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren—Kolby Tamol, Keeven Tamol, Kyzer Tamol, Charlotte Tamol, Guy Lamach, Megan Lamach, Chase Lamach, Caelon Erickson, Mauri Erickson, Tyler Erickson, Jade Erickson, Aurora Fossum, and Todd Fossum, along with two great grandchildren—Leo Erickson and Sage Erickson.
Donna was born September 18th, 1951, in Helena, Montana to Clarence William (Bill) Kottke and Viola Minnie Lee Kottke. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Van (Butch) Kottke and Martin (Buster) Kottke. She is survived by four sisters, Linda Puls, Cindy Bowen, Chris Damon, and Gwyn Beeman, and numerous nephews and nieces. Special thanks are given to her niece, Misty Pitts, who helped care for her.
Donna was raised in Wolf Creek, Montana, where she attended school and worked at the family restaurant in Wolf Creek, The Oasis. She attended Cascade High School. While raising her family, Donna worked at several jobs throughout the Helena community. She was a Department Manager at both Tempo and Kmart, later becoming a hairdresser at Third Dimension. Donna also worked in the traffic department at KTVH-TV and finished out her career as a customer service representative for Qwest Communications. Donna was a charter member of The Society of Montana Broadcast Legends and served as Executive Secretary of that organization.
Donna lived her life the way she wanted, on her own terms. She loved her husband and her family dearly and will be dearly missed. Services for Donna will be held at a later date, to be determined by the family.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to request donations be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Donna.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Rich & Susan Proul says
Wally and family,
Rich & I are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. May she be out of pain and finally at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken & Karen Benner says
The Broadcasting profession will never forget Donna’s devotion as Secretary for the Montana Society of Broadcast Legends. The research, the mail lists she prepared, the scripts she wrote for each Legend nominee’s award presentation detailing his/her history on the air in front of or behind the camera, the managers, the engineers, the master-control operators all professionally dedicated who, thanks to Donna, made their recognition as Legends possible. A most remarkable lady, always with a warm friendly smile, greeting and with one of the finest on-air voices ever heard. She remains a Legend in American Broadcasting!
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Dear Wally and Family- Wally, we are saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Leon and Marsha
Donna Knuth Rice says
Wally, I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I remember working with you both at KTVH. Donna was a delight to work with. Know I am praying for you and the family, fear friend.
Lori says
Always sister!
Much love.
Misty (strong) eriksen says
Love you momma, until we meet again on the other side. Sending healing prayers, thoughts and blessings to everyone in the family. The world has become a little less bright now that her beautiful spirit has left us.
Christina Kranich says
Momma Donna, rest in peace my lovely lady! You will be greatly missed. Love you always!
Melissa Anderson says
May the good Lord watch over your family and especially Wally. You will be greatly missed Donna Your infectious laugh and wonderful matter of fact nature made you easy to love! Rest In Peace. Until we meet again. God Bless your family.
Kristen Summers says
Your smile will be truly missed, you had the biggest heart and always had a good story or joke or someway to make a person smile, Rest in sweet paradise, if you meet Gary in heaven please share a smile with him,
Thinking about the whole family, hugs to all.
Storlies says
Wally and family,
Our hearts and prayers will continue for you. Time and tears will become easier, as we all love Donna. We will truly miss her so much. Will keep in touch.
Pete and Jo
Pat Heide says
I worked with Donna at Third Dimension and considered her as a friend as well. She was always so sweet and so good with her clientele. When my sons worked at the station I was surprised and happy to see her working there and so happy for her when I heard about her marriage to Wally. I am so sad to learn of her passing. My prayers go out to Wally and her entire family.
Connie Hand says
The biggest heart and most caring person I have ever known! Until we meet again my friend!
Millissa Riggin says
Bill Tamol I had no idea this was your Mom. I took care of her many times in the home and the hospital. She was so fun to visit with and Wally always made sure I had an endless supply of Root Beer Barrels.
So sorry to see this ❤️