Born on February 22, 1939 on the family farm in Weir, KS; she was the third of four children born to parents Al and Ella Gillenwater. Growing up wasn't always easy for Donna Jean: her oldest sister was developmentally disabled and blind, and people weren't always so kind to people with those challenges or their families - later in life she remarked how angry and afraid it made her when neighborhood kids would shout cruel taunts in her direction. Money was tight - her father worked two jobs to enable her sister to go to a special school, so Donna worked from an early age - at home to help her family and she worked outside the home to help both her family and herself. She was raised with lots of family beyond her siblings - aunts, uncles, cousins - her parents each came from families with at least 7 children so there were always plenty of relatives to go around. Summers on uncles farms, helping an aunt who owned a neighborhood grocery store Her mother's family - descendants of one of the earliest families in America - held an annual reunion, and Donna attended throughout all her years in Kansas. These two themes - family and hard work were the central themes in her life then and remained so through the very end.

She met her future spouse, Jerry Richard Jenkins, at a Fat Boy Burgers in 1958, and on September 12, 1959 they tied the knot. Over the following five years she had 3 children - Jerilynn, Steven and Susan. During these same years she worked - initially to help her husband finish his college degree and to help them purchase a home and later on a bigger home for their growing family, but ultimately because she liked to work, she was good at what she did and she was proud of her accomplishments. She was also proud of her growing family - den mother, room mother, hostess were just a few of the tasks she took on during those early family years. The family moved to Michigan for a couple of years and then onto the final community where Donna lived out her life - Wausau, Wisconsin. In Wausau she saw her children move from children to adults. She watched them marry and start families of their own, which led to one of Donna's most fulfilling roles - that of grandmother.

From the moment Donna met her first grandson in January 1986, she was hooked. And within a few years she had three grandsons, and eventually three granddaughters. Those kids owned her, and she emphatically took on whatever role was needed - whether it was helper during an illness, babysitter, event organizer or hug provider, she loved being as close to her grandchildren as possible. They were a great source of joy in her life.

These were the happiest years in her life, years of success in her community, in her work, in raising her family. She and Jerry enjoyed trips - particularly to Florida. They bought a lake house in northern Wisconsin where they spent the weekends throughout many summers, inviting friends and family to enjoy it with them as often as possible. Yearly fishing trips to Branson were a family standard. Christmas in the Jenkins home was a yearly festival of lights and goodwill. She had a job she loved, a home she enjoyed,a family she was proud to have raised and grandchildren she adored.

But changes happen, and when Jerry was diagnosed with cancer in 1986., Donna stayed strong and changed her life to fit the situation at hand. She retired from her work to support her husband through the difficult years as he went through treatments, and gave herself to continue their lives together as normally and happily as possible to help Jerry regain his health. In a few years they were able to resume many of the old activities from happier days - trips, family visits, etc. In 1995 they purchased a retirement home in Arizona, to find warmth away from the cold Wisconsin winters.

Sadly, in December 1996, Donna lost the love of her life after 37 years of marriage, becoming a widow at only 57 years of age. She bought herself a new, smaller home near to her youngest daughter and son-in-law and two grandsons - the ones left in Wausau. She traveled regularly to visit her other children and grandchildren, spend time with friends - particularly enjoying breakfasts in a local diner. She went back to work some - though never again full-time. She developed a tight family bond with her daughter, son-in-law and grandsons who were so nearby - regular dinners together, shared family activities…without this closeness, her life would have been seriously diminished. For the most part she was happy and satisfied with how her life had progressed.

Throughout these years after Jerry's death, there were other losses. Friends, family members, etc., and Donna could always be counted on to come in and help out whenever there was a need - something as simple as helping a friend in need pay a overdue bill, or a surprise lunch to living in Kansas City for a month when her daughter broke her leg with two children under five. During a particularly difficult time - she was always prepared to do what needed to be done for whoever needed the doing - people knew that about Donna and consistently loved her for it.

Again in happiness there may be sorrow, and it was again another overwhelming loss when Donna's oldest grandson passed away from complications related to Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. It was at this time that the people in Donna's life rallied around her, her daughter and their family as they together struggled with the painful loss they all suffered through together.

The last ten years of Donna's life involved many health struggles - she survived a serious infection and later a stroke, and was able to come back to live in the senior apartment to which she ultimately moved. There, as always, she made numerous friends and loved playing games and socializing with the other residents.She remained in touch with her family, but was most blessed by those who were in close proximity - friends and family who would visit her regularly, take her places, and enjoy life with her.

In the end, like everyone, Donna passed through the doorway that leads to the mystery beyond, waiting to be embraced by her husband, grandson, parents, and the many loved ones who went before. She now resides in the glory of God's grace. And while those left behind mourn her passing, we are grateful for the wondrous life she lived and her loving presence in our lives.

Loved ones who were there to meet her at the gates of heaven: Husband - Jerry Jenkins; Grandson - Wayne Borth; Siblings - Hazel Lou Gillenwater and James Gillenwater, Parents - Al and Ella (Endicott) Gillenwater.

Left to remember her are: Sister: Terry (Gillenwater)Lasher; Daughters - Jerilynn(Carl) Anderton, Susan (Jerry) Borth; Son - Steven (Leah) Jenkins; Grandchildren - Tyler (Megan) Borth, Michael (Jade) Jenkins, Niki (Wes) Halverson, Katrina Anderton and Amelia (Jack) Jones. Great- Grandchildren: Nevaeh and Harper Jenkins; Karsyn, Peyton and Sanford Halverson, Jackson Borth, and Jericho Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that remembrances be made in Donna's name to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation (on line or by check).

Flowers and remembrances can be sent to

John J Buettgen Funeral Home.

948 Grand Ave, Schofield 54476

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com