Donna Mae Larson, of Circle, died at her home with her husband, Kent, and daughter, Denise, at her side. She was born Nov. 18, 1937 to Eldin “Slim” Freitag and Hazel Wilhelm Freitag at their home in Circle. Donna grew up and attended schools in Circle. She met and fell in love with Kent Larson, they were married on Feb. 11, 1955. Together, they were the proud parents of four children, two daughters and two sons. She was a true example of a help-mate to Kent in their different business adventures. She was the bookkeeper at Kent´s Body Shop in the earlier years, along with taking care of the children, keeping an immaculately clean house, and making sure the family had well-balanced, nutritious meals. They owned and operated the Gambles Store for many years. She loved the Gambles Store; checking in new merchandise, traveling to markets, and assisting customers were a big part of her life. She especially loved the paint department and truly was a paint specialist. It later became Larson True Value and is currently owned by son, Arnie, and wife, Sandy. As they transitioned out of the hardware business, they farmed and ranched together. Donna was always working alongside Kent doing whatever was necessary to get the job done.
Donna enjoyed canning meat, sewing, embroidery, bowling on the “Gamble´s” bowling team, and waterskiing. She upholstered furniture and most recently re-upholstered the interiors of the old cars Kent restored. Donna also re-finished antique furniture. She especially loved to make cookies and candy for Christmas. She was a can-do person, if something needed to be done, she would do it. Donna enjoyed using the computer, as her illness progressed and she became homebound, it became her lifeline to the outside world.
Donna valued education, commenting that knowledge gained could never be taken away. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to continually learn new things and advance their education. Her motto was, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Some of the high lights in her life were a trip to the Bahamas and going to the annual Honda Dealer conventions. There, she and Kent would visit with Mr. Honda, the company founder. Donna and Kent were members of the Montana Model “T” Club. She loved going on the old car tours, traveling the back roads of Montana to picnic and camp at various locations. As a young woman, she was an active member of Rainbow for Girls; the organization held a special place in her heart. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the Lutheran Church. She was a very practical person, and she always told Kent, “Buy me chocolate instead of flowers.”
She is survived by her husband, Kent, four children; Denise (Tim) Warner of Laurel, and Amy (Dick) Hofacker of Colstrip, Arnie (Sandy) Larson of Circle, Don (Rajeana) Larson of Circle, and one sister, Joyce “Nubby” Larson of Spearfish SD, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers; Dean “Skip” Freitag, Jerry Freitag, and Albert at infancy.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday April 16, 2012 at the Stevenson and Sons Chapel in Circle. Lunch will follow at the CCM. Memorials may be made to the charity of one´s choice and condolences may be made on the Stevenson and Sons website, www.stevensonandsons.com. Interment will be at the Circle Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements.
Melode Warner says
Hugs to you all.
May you feel the love of Jesus greater than ever at this time.
Nancy Scheer says
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. I always enjoyed Donna. She was fun to visit with, fun to work with and fun to laugh with.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Prayers and God Bless.
Jerry Vine says
Donna was a wonderful lady, she is now in a much better place
Sally Lehner says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of Donna’s family. I remember her from when I was real young when they had the old Gambles store. She was always such a nice person! Always loved to visit!
Ralph and Sally
Eddy Sanders says
Donna will be remembered and missed. Our hearts go out to Arnie and the family.
Peggy Sorensen says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Have great memories of her and the rest of the family when we lived in Circle.
Judy says
We were so sad to hear about Donna’s passing, but so thankful that we got to spend so much time with her at the Class Reunion. She was a very talented person and she will be missed by all who knew her.
John and Judy Metts
Tom & Kathy Stieg says
Our sincere sympathy to all of Donna’s family. She was always fun to be around. Tom & Kathy Stieg, Hammond, MT
Joe Breitbach says
So sad to hear about sweet Donna. She has been an “email buddy” of mine for years. Always enjoyed her emails, and her little notes on ‘newsy’ stuff. I always liked to make it a point to stop in and see her when I made to Circle. She never seemed to let any of her health problems get her down, and was always ready with a smile and joke. We will miss her a lot.
Sandy Meeker says
So sad at your passing Donna. I loved you and will miss you. I have many fond memories. Bless your family and may they feel Gods grace in your passing.
Mary Kasten Grube says
I’m sorry to hear of your loss and pray that God will bless you with all the wonderful memories during this time of grief.
Viola "Fritz" Titsworth says
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I always looked forward to her e-mails updating me about the going ons of Circle and our classmates. May she rest in peace.
Myrna Thompson says
I will mess you Donna … You have been a big part of our Wilhelm family. I have many good menories of our childhood.I enjoyed you childern in your young years that I lived in the area.. Gos Bless to Red and family
Tammy (Dexter) Combs says
I have such fond memories of shopping in the Gambles store when I was a kid. Donna was always so nice and one of the most friendly and kind-hearted people I have ever met. My sympathy and prayers for the entire Larson family.
Pat & Luanne "Rolandson" Garrity says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Larson family. Celebrate your moms life and keep the memories close to your heart.
Cindy Stanton says
Arnie, Sandy & family,
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. Donna was a great lady and will be missed by many. May peace be with you all.
Cindy
Tom and Brenda Atkinson says
To the families of Kent, Denise, Amy, Arnie, and Don,
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. May your comfort come from above.
Tom and Brenda Atkinson
Tod, Lara, Reed and Amy Larson says
We are very sad for the loss of Aunt Donna. We miss her.
JERE AND ALEXINA SULLIVAN says
Back in the 40s and early 50 when Skip and ran togeather Donna was his little sister. Then later she was a good friend. Like the others a visit to Circle was not complete with out a visit with Donna.
IN 02 she came over to the motel and sat on the bed and visited for over an hr.
She was a great Email friend. Every other day or so. and lots about Barack.
We will be praying for her tomorrow at 10 our time, right along with the rest of Mc Cone county.
Jere & Alexina Sullivan
Spokane Washington
Jeff & Jeanne Shipstead says
So very sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing.
Lanny and Jeanne Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. She was such a nice person and we always enjoyed talking to her when we were in Circle.
Margaret Maresh (Melrose) says
Donna was always a special lady. I babysat the kids on Saturday nights when Arne was just a baby. They were all so good, and we had so much fun. Donna & Kent were always good to me and Circle will not be the same without here.
Carol Shea says
Just learned today about Donna’s passing on September 28, 2013. So Sad!!
I have a suitcase full of old pictures that I was going to bring up to your family some summer to see if Donna would know anyone. Now, sadly it is too late!
I am Reynald Freitag’s grand-daughter.
Sadly,too, I lost my husband in January 2013.
Sorry to be so late in contacting you, but I just heard the news from Donald Freitag.
Love and Prayers, A. Carol Shea