Dona Schipporeit

Dona M. (Pollard) Schipporeit, 88, formerly of Broken Bow, died Wednesday, April 22, 2015 surrounded by family at Mother Hull Home in Kearney, Nebraska. Dona and her twin brother, Dale Pollard were born October 10, 1926 at their grandmother Pollard’s home in Thedford, Nebraska to William and Nellie Pollard. The family lived near Brownlee on a ranch. At the age of 10, her family moved to Broken Bow. Dona graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1945. On June 10, 1945, she married Norman Schipporeit of Merna. They lived on a farm near Merna, later moving to Broken Bow. Over the years, Dona was employed at Holcomb’s Pharmacy, Custer County Chief, and the Custer County Clerk’s office. In 1955 she was the winner of the local Mrs. America Contest, and took third place in the district contest. Dona was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was active in the Lutheran Ladies Group and teaching Sunday school. She volunteered with the Blood Mobile, Voter’s Registration, the Broken Bow Housing Authority and as President of the Parent Teachers Association. Dona loved entertaining and often hosted family and friends in her home. All enjoyed the fruits of her labor from the garden and the kitchen. She was an excellent cook with her family always asking for her signature fried chicken. Dona was known for experimenting, creating and her flair for entertaining, in short, she was the Martha Stewart of the family. Dona had a quick wit, a friendly smile, and couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone she knew, or creating common connections with a stranger. Dona and Norman’s passion was traveling in their 5th Wheel camping with family and friends. They made many lasting friendships at the Ainsworth Country Music Festival, and during the 14 winters spent in Fredericksburg, Texas. Other trips included many State Parks, Branson, Missouri and a cross country adventure to Florida to visit Marlyn and family. Above all, Dona’s family was her pride and joy. She loved to share stories and photos with everyone! Dona was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, three brothers and one son-in-law. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 70 years Norman of Kearney; Marlyn (Bob) Marschall of North Palm Beach, Florida, and grandsons Jimmy (Whitney) McKenna, Matt (Luisa) McKenna and Josh (Samantha) McKenna, step-grandchildren Megan (Todd) LaVouge, Kevin (Meghan) Marschall, Amy (Eric) McCabe and Kerry (Pat) Coyle; Mark (Kimra) Schipporeit of Kearney and grandchildren Jenna (fiancé Patricio Tapia), Brett and Amanda; and Marlene (Doug) Geiser of Broken Bow and granddaughters Sara, Sadie and Michaela; 5 great grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren, sister-in-law Evelyn Pollard, many nieces and nephews, and a host of other family members and friends. Dona loved her family dearly and will be remembered by all for her many thoughtful acts of kindness. Visitation will be held with the family on Monday, April 27, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Broken Bow, with Pastors Joshua Hillmann and Roger Quandt officiating. Inurnment will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.