Donna Kearl Bergener passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, in Greenwood Village, Colorado, after battling kidney and intestinal issues for several months. She was 84 years of age.

Donna was born Aug. 21, 1934, in Smithfield, Utah, as the ninth and youngest child of George and Violet Kearl.

Donna attended Cache Valley schools and graduated from North Cache High School in 1952. After high school, she attended Utah State University and graduated in 1956 with a degree in English literature. While at Utah State, Donna met Ronald "Gus" Bergener, and the couple was married Nov. 15, 1957, in Ogden, Utah.

In 1958, Gus and Donna moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Donna accepted a teaching position at Clair E. Gale Jr. High School and Gus began work as a production manager at the Westinghouse Nuclear Division. Donna was a gifted teacher who touched the lives of hundreds of students whom she taught and mentored. Donna retired from teaching in 1979 and began making handmade fur comforters. In time, she was making nearly five elegant furs a month, most of which she gave to friends and family. She completed her last comforter in August of this year as a birthday gift for her son. The beautiful comforter will be cherished for time and eternity.

Gus and Donna made Idaho Falls their home until 1991 when they retired to their vacation house in Star Valley, Wyoming. They lived in Star Valley until 1995 when they returned to live in Cache Valley to reunite with lifelong friends and family.

Both Donna and Gus loved living in Logan again and reignited their lifetime passion for Utah State University and USU's football and basketball programs. Gus and Donna traveled to dozens of football and basketball games across the country, including memorable games at Texas, Nebraska, Florida State and Georgia. In 2000, the couple was nominated into the prestigious USU Old Main Society.

Throughout her life, Donna was an avid reader, completing two new books nearly every week up until a few months before she passed. She traveled the world through the books she read. Donna was also an outstanding cook, regularly cooking lavish holiday dinners for family and friends.

Donna was a woman of tremendous character and compassion. She extended herself to generously support those friends and family whom she loved. Donna delighted her conversationalists with an exquisite sense of humor which will be sorely missed. She will have a space in our hearts forever!

Donna is survived by her son and daughter-in-law (David and Joyce Bergener) of Greenwood Village, Colorado; her sister and brother-in-law (Laura and Robert Monson) of Salt Lake City, Utah; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law (Ann and Gene McKeehan of Arroyo Grande, California); her sister-in-law (Elaine Bergener) of Tooele, Utah; as well as 32 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband (Gus), her mother and father (Violet and George) as well as seven brothers and sisters - Wilda, Phyllis, Gwen, Sid, Bob, Jim and Beverly.

There will be a viewing at the Foothill LDS Church (1450 E. 1500 North) in Logan, Utah, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, followed by a funeral celebration at noon. The graveside dedication will be held at Logan City Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Utah State University Athletic Department in honor of Gus and Donna.

Published in Logan Herald Journal from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1, 2018