Donna Lynn Yergensen

Donna Lynn Yergensen, age 79, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born on March 23, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Donna Kilpia and Delmer Harman. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Mike Walden, and his wife, Donna. She is survived by her brother Pat Walden and his wife, Becky.

In her early years, Donna married John Martines, and together they welcomed five beautiful children: Kimberly Hexamer (Tom Hexamer), Lori Martines, Darrin Martines, Steven Martines (Denise Martines), and Deanna Harrison.

Donna later met Michael Yergensen, with whom she shared a deep, quiet love — the kind built through shared work, shared joys, and a lifetime of standing side by side. Their union brought together a wonderful, blended family, joining Michael’s children—Michael David Yergensen (Tamara Yergensen), William Yergensen (Melissa Yergensen), Andrew Yergensen (Holly Yergensen), and Chris Yergensen (Val Yergensen)—and later welcoming a son of their own, Matthew Yergensen (Melissa Yergensen). Together, Donna and Michael built a full and joyful life on the Yergensen family farm in Roosevelt, Utah. They also enjoyed moments of unprecedented success within the aerospace industry, with Datamax providing valuable consulting services to some of the most prestigious organizations and projects in the United States at the time.

Donna had an adventurous heart and found joy in traveling—especially when she was behind the wheel. Once, upon having recently moved to the Ft Lauderdale area, she was hopelessly lost. She called my father for help, and as only he could do, he started to repeat that the sun rises in the east. She cut him off to advise him that she knows that, and also that it sets in the west, but her argument was that that information was less than helpful. Please reach out to any member of the family for her exact, more colorful response. She did not let her lack of directional awareness stop her. She and Michael explored the

country in their RV, creating cherished memories along the way. After Michael’s passing, Donna continued to travel independently, visiting family and friends across the United States.

Donna also held a deep love for football, cheering with pride for Chris’s alma mater, the University of Utah, and remaining ever faithful to her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. On game days, her home came alive with her spirited cheers, sharp commentary, and sideline-style coaching—an energy that brought joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to everyone around her. Football wasn’t just something she watched; it was something she felt, celebrated, and shared, becoming moments her family will always hold dear.

Our family also has celebrated NCAA’s March Madness for as long as I can remember. When the first or second rounds of the tournament were held near us, we planned our vacations around attending. She was an outspoken fan of the Duke Blue Devils, but would watch any game, and convince herself that it mattered who she cheered for. One year in particular, she was wearing her Duke shirt, and chanting “Duke, Duke, Duke…” It was fine until Duke won…because they beat UNLV, and we were in a Las Vegas sports book lounge, surrounded by people who had either lost a bet or two on UNLV, or were personally tied to the program. It wasn’t just a game to them. For fun, just google the mafia ties to the UNLV program that made the championship game in the early 90’s and it will help you appreciate how truly unsafe we felt if we were too close to her.

In her final years in Las Vegas, Donna found immense joy in having a home full of family. She loved watching her grandchildren swim and play in her pool, playing Bunko with friends, doting on her precious dogs, and spending peaceful afternoons crocheting—amassing a yarn collection so extensive that, during moves, it could have filled an entire moving van on its own.

Donna was known for her generous heart, her unmistakable quick wit, and the fact that she was never—ever—without a Diet Coke. She lived with unwavering devotion, quiet strength, and a love that made everyone feel like family. Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew her and forever remembered by her family.