Donna Waeckerlin, 86, was born on April 21, 1930 and died December 9, 2016, exactly 110 years after her mother was born. At the time of her death Donna resided at Aspen Gardens in Helena, Montana Donna was born in Great Falls, Montana, the daughter of Larry and Grace Synhorst and spent her youth in Sun River, Montana with her younger sisters, Audrey and Nancy. Donna loved this area and enjoyed telling tales of life on the high plains and attending a one-room schoolhouse.
After a short time in Ogden, Utah, the family moved to Rawlins, Wyoming, where she graduated from Rawlins High School in 1948. In Rawlins she worked for the local radio station, J. C. Penney, Co., and, “the best job ever”, working in a soda fountain. She married John Waeckerlin in Rawlins on August 2, 1948. Donna was a full time mom to her three children fully engaged in their many activities. Donna worked for the Selective Service in Rawlins before moving to Helena, Montana in 1969. There she worked for United States Civil Service Commission and the US Veterinary Service. In the latter job she particularly enjoyed traveling around the country to deal with animal borne epidemics and processing animal transfers to and from Canada. Donna was always busy. Aside from holding down a full-time job, she and John owned and operated Tubbs Market from 1972 to 1986.
Donna and John enjoyed traveling, having visited every state except Hawaii and North Dakota. They also traveled to several foreign countries including Ireland, England, Russia and Morocco. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Donna was an avid camper. From camping trips to Yellowstone NP with her sisters and their families, to driving their motor home to the coast, Donna loved to be with her family. The 4Bs in Helena was one of her favorite places and was saddened when it closed. Donna was an active member of NARFE, Red Hat Society, Metropolitan Club, Covenant United Methodist Church and UMW.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband John and her two sisters Audrey Sintek and Nancy Godard. She is survived by three children: Dr. Ron (Carol) Waeckerlin of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Jan (Scott) Bixler of Missoula and Jim (Sandy) Waeckerlin of East Helena, nine grandchildren; Eric Waeckerlin of Denver CO, Kara Armano of Glenwood Springs CO, Beth Kean, Cheyenne, WY, Andy, Kristy and Lindsay Bixler of Missoula, MT, Kyle, Ryan and Matt Waeckerlin of Helena, MT; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece Debbie Wilder.
Retz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donna will be laid to rest alongside John at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison. The family will host a celebration of her life at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455 Helena 59604 or Covenant United Methodist Church for Family Promise, 2330 E Broadway St. 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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Janean Meacham and Marvin Meacham says
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My husband worked with her for many years and we always enjoyed her friendship through the years.
Donna Rogne says
I know Donna is now with John, which is what she wanted. I loved Donna, she was my friend and mentor when we worked together at the Office of Personnel Management. When I was busy with a customer, and my kids would call after school, she always knew what to tell them from chores to snacks and they loved her. She and John had the best treats on Halloween! She also gave me good advise as a mother/daughter relationship on how to be a better daughter to my parents. She was a wonderful role model. I will miss her smile and her friendship.
Valerie Nelson Jorgenson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family was so wonderful to Brad.
Donna Sirucek says
I am sorry to hear that we lost Donna, she always had a smile on her face and a friendly wave. Every time she saw me she would comment from one Donna to another. She will be missed, prayers to the family.
T. Kelly says
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is “close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8).