, 52° F
(Feb. 24, 1916 - Dec. 12, 2015)
Donna Irestone, a longtime Powell resident, passed away on Dec. 12, 2015, at the age of 99. At the time of her death, she was a resident at the Powell Valley Care Center.
Donna was born in Powell on Feb. 24, 1916, to Bertrum E. Steck and Eva Werts Steck. She graduated from Powell High School with the Class of 1934.
Donna married Bud Nielsen in February 1935. Bud and Donna had two boys, Ted and Jerry Nielsen, who both attended Powell schools.
Donna started working when her two boys were in their teens. She worked for Drs. Dunleavy and Giever starting in 1954, then later worked for Drs. Kattenhorn, Balkins and Deiss for many years.
Bud Nielsen died in February 1970. Donna sold her farm house in 1977 and moved to Tucson, Arizona, to live near her children and grandchildren. In 1980 Donna met and married Bill Irestone in Tucson, and they later moved back to Powell. Bill Irestone died in August 2001.
Donna was a lifelong member of the Union Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder for a period of time. She was a member of EPASC Club and Eastern Star. Donna’s hobbies included gardening, cooking, knitting and she enjoyed playing golf for many years.
Donna is survived by her son Ted Nielsen (Joan) of Hershey, Pennsylvania, son Jerry Nielsen (Sherry) of Lincoln, California; sister Colette Gimmeson of Powell, who provided Donna with special love and care; grandchildren Devan Nielsen of Navato, California; Heide Nielsen of Navato, California; Heather Nielsen Heselton of Tiburon, California; Michelle Nielsen Preputnick of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Amy Nielsen Beelen of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by many great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Bertrum E. Steck and Eva Steck, husband Bud Nielsen, husband Bill Irestone, sister Ellanora Jacobson, brother Bud Steck and most recently brother Dick Steck.
Funeral services will be held at the Union Presbyterian Church in Powell on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m., with interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
A viewing is scheduled from 1-1:45 p.m. Wednesday at Thompson Funeral Home prior to the services.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be sent in Donna’s name to the Union Presbyterian Church, 329 N. Bent St., Powell, WY 82435 or to the Powell Valley Care Center, 777 Ave. H, Powell, WY 82435.
