Donna Kientzel

Donna K. Kientzel, 75, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026. She was born on March 5, 1951, in Jacksonville, Illinois, to Cordell and Dora (Hausman) Duggins. She married Kenneth R. Kientzel on January 21, 1989, in Jacksonville, Illinois. Together, they built an anchored, loving home for their bustling blended family of two daughters and four sons.

She is survived by her daughter, Dora Jean Quinn of California; her four stepsons, Ken (Leslie) Kientzel Jr. of Florida, Dan (Brandy) Kientzel of Arizona, Tim (Teresa) Kientzel of Illinois, and Jonathan Kientzel of Missouri; her stepdaughter, Joanna (Ryan) Followell of Illinois; twelve grandchildren; her sister, Marjorie (John) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her parents; and her sister, Linda Birdsell.

Donna graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1969. A woman of remarkable patience and grace, she embraced her place in their large family with warmth, organization, and quiet strength. Those same qualities were especially evident in the tender and faithful care she gave her husband, Ken, throughout his long battle with cancer.

Donna had a deeply nurturing spirit and was driven by a sincere desire to help others heal. She turned that passion for caregiving into a specialized career as a licensed massage therapist through her business, Massage by Donna, continually refining her craft and becoming highly skilled in craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. These advanced therapeutic disciplines made her a sought-after practitioner known for her healing touch.

Donna’s life was richly blessed by her creativity. She appreciated art and enjoyed drawing and painting, often sharing her paintings as heartfelt gifts that became treasured reminders of her thoughtfulness. She was known for her wholehearted generosity, her extensive community of close friends, and her gift for listening. With thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity, Donna made those around her feel deeply seen, valued, and loved.

Donna set a fine example of faith until her death, sharing with others the Bible’s promise of a future free from suffering and sorrow. She was a dedicated member of the Taylorville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A memorial service will be held at the Taylorville Kingdom Hall, 3540 Lincoln Trail, Taylorville, IL 62568, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The memorial service will also be livestreamed via Zoom:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/84500348454?pwd=YnI2dm1PVmVFT3JZNHBoZmM5K0c0Zz09

Meeting ID: 845 0034 8454

Passcode: 1914