Donna Elaine Lanckriet, 85, longtime Ogallala resident, passed away at the Chadron Community Hospital in Chadron, Nebraska, on October 26, 2023.
Born on March 16, 1938, in Hemingford, Nebraska, Donna was the daughter of Lloyd and Lela (Bowser) Appleyard. She graduated from Hemingford High School and continued her education at Chadron State College, where she earned a degree in Science.
Before completing her college degree, Donna devoted 11 years to teaching in rural schools east of Hemingford. Donna then moved to Ogallala, where she served as a first-grade teacher from the fall of 1969 until her retirement in 1998.
In 1973, Donna married Clarence 'Jerry' Lanckriet.
An avid nature enthusiast, Donna enjoyed gardening and birdwatching, with a particular fondness for Cardinals. A longtime member of the Catholic Church, she also served on various committees for the Ogallala Education Association.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; and her brother, Gene Appleyard. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Bonnie Appleyard of Alliance, Nebraska. Also, nieces and nephews: Debbie & Randy Dorenbach, Brenda & Mario Flores, Cheri & JC Gasseling, Pam & Jared Letcher, and Cory Appleyard & Cristy Finley. Along with numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.
A memorial has been established in Donna's memory, with specific details to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be shared online at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be livestreamed.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg, Colorado.
Visitation will be on Thursday, November 2, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala is entrusted with the arrangements.