Donna Jean Hesse

Donna (Thye) Hesse was the youngest child of John and Isabelle (Hunter) Thye.

She was born and raised on a farm near Frederick, South Dakota on March 24, 1928, near where her grandparents homesteaded. Her father was born on the homestead.

She was baptized and confirmed into the ELCA Lutheran Church.

She attended country school through grade 5, and then to Barnard Consolidated School where she graduated in 1945.

Donna married Marvin F. Hesse in 1958 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and they made their home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Donna was a secretary for 38 years at Garrett Turbine Engine Co., and retired with their Public Relations Department.

She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church since 1959.

Donna spent hours researching genealogy of her Norwegian heritage, and would talk about Norway and growing up in South Dakota (we all loved her stories.)

She loved playing the piano, and cherished any news about her nieces and nephews, and their children.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Marvin; her sisters, Ruth Callaghan and Dorothy Keeler; and her brother, Rollin Thye. She is survived by 7 nieces and nephews.

Donna will be missed for her smiling personality and love of family.

A funeral service for Donna will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, followed by a graveside service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.