Donna Poole, 74, died on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service will be 1:30 PM, Sunday, November 19, 2006, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Reverend Mark Helgeland officiating. A candlelight burial will be at East Emmaus Cemetery, Kennedy, MN on Sunday.

Visitation will be Saturday 4-8 PM at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.

Donna Mae Tangen was born December 1, 1931 at Erskine, MN, the daughter of John and Hilma (Hall) Tangen. She was baptized at Erskine and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Samhold Lutheran Church, Gonvick, MN. She attended Gonvick High School, graduating in 1949. She went on to attend teachers training at Bemidji State College, Bemidji, MN and later attained a four year degree. After her teachers training, she started teaching at Greenbush, MN.

On June 6, 1954, Donna was united in marriage to Kenneth LeRoy Poole at Samhold Lutheran Church, Gonvick, MN. The couple made their home in Kennedy, MN, after Ken returned home from the service. They moved to Minneapolis, MN for a couple of years, returning to Kennedy to farm. In 1960, the couple made their home in Thief River Falls, MN and Donna started teaching grades 1-4 at St. Hilaire, MN in 1965. She later taught at Northrup School, Thief River Falls, MN, achieving 29 years of teaching altogether and retiring in 1990. In 1995 Donna and Ken enjoyed a trip to Europe.

Donna loved the Lord and she and Kenny brought their children to love and serve Him as well. She was a life time member and dedicated worker in Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, as well as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, a member of LCW, American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as President for a year and held other offices as well. She also was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and was awarded the Teacher of the Year from Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Donna was an avid reader, liked to camp, travel, cook, bake and was great at it.

Donna loved to play the piano and sing. Her genuine love for children was evident in her unceasing, ambitious commitment to always give them the best. She was a devoted wife and mother, always encouraging them to do their very best. Donna lovingly supported Ken in farming and other endeavors. She has been an integral part of her community in volunteer work, including delivering meals on wheels.

She is survived by husband, Ken, Thief River Falls, MN; 3 children: Sheryl (Fayne) Wiegel, Camano Island, WA, Diane (Ronald) Griffin, Daytona Beach, FL and David (Susan) Poole, Bettendorf, IA; 5 grandchildren, Amy Lipetzky, Kelsi, Jordan, Katlyn and Kristoffer Poole; a great grandchild: Jack Lipetzky; 2 sisters: Shirley Colligan, Bagley, MN and Beverly (Vernon) Hamnes, Gonvick, MN.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Joyce Halbasch
SPECIAL MUSIC: Jan and Diedre Nordin
SELECTIONS: Borning Cry Softly and Tenderly
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art #532, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less #293-294
CASKETBEARERS: Jordan Poole, Mark Kinde, Keith Griffin, Brian Sailer, Dean Hamnes, Dale Hamnes