Donna Jo Vonderharr

Donna Jo Vonderharr, 63, of Papillion passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2025 peacefully in her home. She was someone who loved with all of her heart and that love was felt by all of those close to her.

Donna was born December 28, 1961 at Whiteman Air Force Base to Kenneth (Dale) and Margaret Kiepe and she was the youngest of four sisters. In her early years, Donna moved around the country as part of an Air Force family before arriving in Papillion, where she met her soulmate, Steve, as a student at Papillion Junior High.

Donna went on to become a Registered Nurse, working in hospitals and in the Papillion-LaVista school system, finishing her career at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. She loved being a nurse and her entire family saw first hand every day the qualities that made her a terrific medical professional and caretaker. She considered so many former coworkers dear friends.

Donna and Steve were married September 28, 1985 in Columbia, Missouri and built their family in Papillion. They raised three children and have seven grandchildren. Their family remains a part of the Papillion and Saint Columbkille communities. Donna spent thousands of hours at ball fields while her children were growing up, and she loved being a sports mom.

Donna loved spending time with her family and friends. Her summer trips to the Ozarks, days in the backyard pool with her grandkids and family traditions, including the annual Christmas cookie baking day were some of her happiest days. Her children and grandchildren will always remember how much Donna loved making everyone feel like they were the most special person in the world on their birthdays and holidays - she loved going overboard on the gifts.

Donna loved crafting, where she let her creative side shine. She spent countless days working in her craft room making beautiful gifts that her family will be able to cherish for years. The rest of her free time was spent traveling, going to Husker football games (she especially loved tailgates), reading, trying new hobbies, and catching up with friends. She loved entertaining friends and family at her home - and no one ever left hungry. She was a talented baker and cook and always loved trying out new recipes.

Donna was living the life she dreamed of in her retirement years, which were only too short. She cherished family time above all else, and rarely went more than a few days without being around her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Steve Vonderharr; son Scott Vonderharr (wife Bailey, children Patrick and Jack); daughter, Amy Hendrickson (husband Kyler, children Thomas, Gracie, Hudson, and Colton); son, Ryan Vonderharr (wife Ashley, child Andi); sisters, Dalene Hoge (husband Ken), Dianne Frazier (husband Ron), Debra Nietzel (husband Tim); parents, Dale and Margaret Kiepe, mother-in-law, Virginia Christensen; sister-in law, Debbie Carlson (husband Duane); brother-in-law, Tim Vonderharr (wife Tammy) and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Linus Vonderharr; and brother-in-law, Jerry Vonderharr.

Services will be held at Saint Columbkille Church in Papillion with a 6:30 p.m. Visitation and 7:30 p.m. Vigil on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 and Funeral on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.