Donna Karel Egan

Donna Lee Karel Egan was welcomed into this world by her loving parents Joseph and Twylah Karel on October 15, 1933. She's been leaving her mark in this world ever since. Donna excelled at many things, but the most important was LOVE. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Each person that was touched by Donna's life has shared in this love. Donna was born in Kearney, Nebraska. Her life changed for the better and forever at the age of 4 when her family was blessed with the birth of MaryAnn. Donna and MaryAnn had many adventures throughout their lives together, but the best journey they shared was the journey of their hearts bonded as sisters. A bond that withstands the test of time and tragedy, love and loss, joy and sorrow. Donna and MaryAnn were amazing daughters. They shared a tight knit family and cared for their parents in every way possible. The love they received and gave as a family was so enduring that it's still being felt generations later. As they grew and left home one thing never changed and that was, of course, their love. When Donna was in high school she met the love of her life, Larry Egan. They secretly married in 1951 and when the secret got out they remarried in 1952. Although their journey together was not lifelong the love they shared while together was powerful. Their love produced 6 beautiful children. Patrick, Timothy, Matthew, Maureen, Daniel and David. She shined as a mother. Her love grew as she made and held a special place in her heart for each one of her children. Tragedies struck the Egan family with the death of Pat in 1971 and the death of Dan in 1979. A deep loss no parent should ever have to face, but 'The deeper sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain.' Joy shined through these tragedies as Donna's love was strong and steadfast. She nurtured her children to grow into unique individuals. She was always accepting of everyone for who they are. She gave her children deep roots to grow up from so they would always have solid ground to stand on as they made their way in this world. She taught them to carry love in their hearts as she was taught by her parents. They carried this love out into the world and Donna's family grew. It grew as her children married and Donna was blessed with more then just In-laws. She was blessed with more children. Tim's Cindy, Matt's Maria, Maureen's David and David's Dixie. They were all touched by Donna's love as well. The love she shared with them from her own heart and the love they received through the hearts of her children. A Love so mighty that it grew and grew. It grew into 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Joe Tetrault and his daughters Edan and Emily Tetrault. Nikki and Rick Camins and their children Kiernan, Aviella and Bastyon Camins. Kami Egan and her daughters Kya Johnson, Bailey and Ashton Peterson. Marny Egan and her daughter Malia Egan. Travis Egan, Daniel Egan, Patrick Egan and Heather and Aren Moffett. Donna was a marvelous grandma aka Grandma D. Her door and her arms were always open. She guided with wisdom and listened without judgement. She encouraged them to follow their dreams, but most importantly to follow their hearts. She helped teach them how to love by example. Donna's love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren was out of this this world extraordinary. Donna was a lover of a great many things. She enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, bowling, reading, food, games of all kinds and volunteering for Hospice, but the thing she enjoyed most was good company. “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” She treasured her friends with all of her heart. Some friends were here for a season, some for a reason and some for a lifetime. She helped build friendships so unyielding that, even as she faced death, she had friends by her side. 'The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals.' This was true of Donna's heart. She also found true friends in her wiener dogs, Butch and Sam. Sam found a safe haven in her home as she rescued him from a life without love. Sam and Donna were two peas in a pod. They enjoyed each others company in a way only an animal friend can know how to give and receive. He shared every moment of her alone time so she was never really alone. 'A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself.' Donna felt this love from Sam and shared her love with him tenaciously. Donna was welcomed home into her heavenly father's arms on October 8th, 2012. She may not walk beside us anymore, but the love she's grown over her lifetime will be carried in our hearts as we continue to walk through life. A gift that can not be taken from our hearts and will only grow stronger with time. The legacy of love is what she leaves us to remember her by for she was a woman who loved deeply, fiercely, and passionately every day of her great life. Quotes in order Khalil Gibran William Shakespeare Anonymous Josh Billings Service: The celebration of her life will take place on Friday, the 12th, at 6:00 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel with memorial services on Saturday, the 13th, at 10 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.