Donna Marie Gies

Donna Marie Gies, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 21, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Anna Louise Hensley, brothers Ray and Jack Hensley, and sister-in-law Connie Hensley. She moved to Lincoln, Nebraska as a child and attended Wittier, Irving, and Lincoln High School.

She was married to the love of her life, Jim Gies. They met in high school and got married in Iowa with just two witnesses to this epic love, her brother and sister-in-law David and Julie Gies, who have been dear friends for the entirety of their marriage. They were married for 63 years and showed their children and grandchildren what true commitment and love look like.

She is survived by Jim, as well as their three children, Douglas James Gies (Lisa Gies) of McKinney, Texas, Ellen Lousie Chuda (Curt) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Christine Marie Boden (Mike) of Lincoln, Nebraska. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, including Kyle Douglas Gies (Meaghan) of Princeton, Texas, Connor Gies (Megan) or Denver, Colorado, Brett Gies (Taylor) of McKinney, Texas, Angie Chuda (Elliot) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Heather Jacobs (Eli) of Omaha, Nebraska, Mitchell Chuda (Antonia) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Deric Boden (Taylor) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Rylee Boden (Matt) of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Maya Boden of Lincoln, Nebraska, and 8 great grandchildren. Other survivors include sister-in-law Sandy Hensley of Amarillo, Texas, brother and sister-in-law Dave and Julie Gies of Lincoln, Nebraska, sister-in-law MaryAnn Gies all of Lincoln, Nebraska, brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Jane Gies of Lansing, Kansas, sister-in-law Jean Wengert of Longmont, Colorado, step-brother Bernie Koehne of Lincoln, Nebraska, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

Donna had many interests, and one that she poured much work and love into was her quilting. She made quilts and projects for special occasions and to commemorate births and graduations and just to show how much she loved us. She loved traveling, especially when the trips included going to visit her people. She was involved at Eastridge Presbyterian Church where Donna and Jim were active members of the Board of Deacons, which is known as the Caring Ministry. They were also involved in the Trailblazers where they got to spend time with friends. Mostly, she loved being surrounded by her family in any setting and for any reason. She talked about her kids and grandkids to everyone, and frequently recalled fond memories of being with them. She was so very proud of who they are. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.

Services will be held at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:00 am, with a reception immediately following at the church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials to be sent to Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68510, designated for Camp Calvin Crest. Arrangements entrusted to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, NE.