Donna Kay (Engle) Repenn

Donna K. Repenn, 84, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 14, 2023, with her loving family by her side at CHI Health - St. Francis Medical Center, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul – 411 “O Street, Nebraska. Pastor Daniel Bear is officiating.

Donna was born to Eugene & Lola (Ganow) Engle in Grand Island, Nebraska on December 22, 1938.  The family moved to Exeter where Donna attended school, graduating from Exeter High in 1957.  Donna married Arlan Ehlers in 1958 and they were blessed with 6 children.

Donna and Arlan were also foster parents to multiple children throughout their years of marriage. Donna was later married to Henry Repenn in 2008.  The couple resided in Palmer, where she was actively involved in the community, senior center, and the church.

Donna was a loyal employee of Dreisbach’s Restaurant for 15 years.  Donna then received her insurance license and taught pre-licensing and continuing education out of her home.

Donna’s greatest joys were spending her weekends at Skate Island, driving the Eddy Street underpass, cemetery tours, and riding the elevator at the Golden Towers with all her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Donna enjoyed camping and traveling with her family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Russell Ehlers of Grand Island, Joe (Cathy) Ehlers of Alma, Bobby (Christine) Ehlers of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughters, Judy Griffin of Florida, and Tina Ehlers of Lincoln; sisters, Janice and John Miller of Exeter, Sandy Bock and special friend, Larry Plasek of David City, and Glenda & Richard Cole of Columbus; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Arlan Ehlers, Henry Repenn; son, David Lee Ehlers; brothers, James Engle, Fred Engle; sister-in-law, Iola Engle; brother-in-law, Don Bock; niece, Kim Ohnemus.