Donna Nadine Kantola Kaiser
January 30, 1935 ~ April 14, 2016
Donna Nadine Kaiser, aged 81, died peacefully on April 14, 2016, at her home in Junction City, Oregon, surrounded by family members, after a struggle with congestive heart failure.
Donna was born at 2:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 30, 1935, in Caldwell, Idaho, the first child of Alvin and Tressa Kantola, who made their home on a farm near Arling, Idaho. Donna’s birth brought joy in the midst of sorrow as her maternal grandmother’s burial took place on the day of her birth. Her grandmother, Blanche Quick, had been tragically killed in Caldwell by a hit and run driver.
As the firstborn grandchild of Jacob and Mathilda Kantola, immigrants from Finland, Donna held a place of distinction. Her father’s six brothers and three sisters found delight in spoiling their first niece. And her mother’s only sister Ola Soper and her husband Cecil, who had earlier lost a baby daughter, doted on their little niece. As the years progressed, Donna found herself loved and respected among the increasing number of Kantola grandchildren (32 in all) as well as by her three Soper cousins.
Twenty-one months after her birth, Donna became the big sister to Jean Darline. Then 14 years later, Donna and Darline were both delighted at the birth of their brother Gary Alvin. When their father arrived home from the hospital in the early hours of the morning, he announced to his teenage girls, “Well, I got my preacher boy.” Though Donna left home to attend Bible college when Gary was only 15 months old, she had a special bond with her brother, who indeed became a preacher.
As a young child Donna showed evidence of innate musical talent. By her teenage years she played the piano with excellence, either by note or by ear, and also played the clarinet. When her parents bought her an accordion, she quickly became skilled on it, along with playing the organ. As the years progressed, she often served as the church pianist or organist. Along with her keyboard skills, she had a lovely soprano voice, often singing solos or in ensembles. Her ability to harmonize musically also carried over into her social skills, bringing harmony among family and friends.
Donna attended a one-room country school during most of her grade school years. After her 1953 graduation from Donnelly-McCall High School, Donna enrolled in Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi, where her Uncle Cecil Soper served as president. Then in the fall of 1953 she transferred to Conquerors Bible College in Portland, Oregon.
After her May 1955 graduation from CBC, she remained at the college as Instructor of Music. While she happily filled her role as a music teacher, one of the students took note of Donna’s sweet personality and sought her friendship. On August 2, 1959, Donna became the bride of Mel Kaiser in a lovely ceremony in Rupert, Idaho. After Mel’s graduation from Bible college in 1960, he attended and graduated from Cascade College in Portland and became a certified teacher.
While Mel was still in college, Donna gave birth to their first son, Dennis Kent on June 11, 1962. Donna and Mel moved from Portland to Emmett, Idaho, in 1962 where Mel began his teaching career. While in Idaho Donna gave birth to their second son, Michael Jay on May 27, 1964. From Idaho the family moved to the Hoonah, Alaska, where Mel taught school and served as a pastor.
While living in Hoonah, Donna encountered heart problems and learned that she had a damaged heart valve resulting from childhood rheumatic fever. Leaving Hoonah at the close of the school year (1965), the family returned to Portland where Donna had open heart surgery. Though she struggled with heart issues through the years and endured three more open heart surgeries, Donna maintained a positive spirit, remaining busy in homemaking and church activities. In the years following her first heart surgery, Mel’s teaching and administrative jobs involved several moves for the family within Idaho and Oregon. Donna always adjusted without complaint, making friends in each location. While living in the Eugene area she taught in a church nursery school. Whatever her situation, Donna loved, shared, and harmonized!
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Mel (2009), her brother Gary (2010), and an infant grandson Casey Jacob (2002).
She was survived by her sister Darline of Yuba City, CA; two sons, Dennis (Wendy) of Rancho Palo Verdes, CA and Michael (Terryl) of Junction City, OR; three granddaughters: Kylie and Haylie of CA and Brooke of Junction City, and one grandson: Caleb (Junction City); a niece Cheri of Boise, ID and a nephew Jason (Jessica) of Klamath Falls, OR; two step nieces Esther (John) Thomas; Sharon (John) Floe; two step nephews Phil (Charlene) and Stan (Jackie) Royer. She also leaves behind many cousins and other relatives and close friends.
January 30, 1935 ~ April 14, 2016
Donna Nadine Kaiser, aged 81, died peacefully on April 14, 2016, at her home in Junction City, Oregon, surrounded by family members, after a struggle with congestive heart failure.
Donna was born at 2:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 30, 1935, in Caldwell, Idaho, the first child of Alvin and Tressa Kantola, who made their home on a farm near Arling, Idaho. Donna’s birth brought joy in the midst of sorrow as her maternal grandmother’s burial took place on the day of her birth. Her grandmother, Blanche Quick, had been tragically killed in Caldwell by a hit and run driver.
As the firstborn grandchild of Jacob and Mathilda Kantola, immigrants from Finland, Donna held a place of distinction. Her father’s six brothers and three sisters found delight in spoiling their first niece. And her mother’s only sister Ola Soper and her husband Cecil, who had earlier lost a baby daughter, doted on their little niece. As the years progressed, Donna found herself loved and respected among the increasing number of Kantola grandchildren (32 in all) as well as by her three Soper cousins.
Twenty-one months after her birth, Donna became the big sister to Jean Darline. Then 14 years later, Donna and Darline were both delighted at the birth of their brother Gary Alvin. When their father arrived home from the hospital in the early hours of the morning, he announced to his teenage girls, “Well, I got my preacher boy.” Though Donna left home to attend Bible college when Gary was only 15 months old, she had a special bond with her brother, who indeed became a preacher.
As a young child Donna showed evidence of innate musical talent. By her teenage years she played the piano with excellence, either by note or by ear, and also played the clarinet. When her parents bought her an accordion, she quickly became skilled on it, along with playing the organ. As the years progressed, she often served as the church pianist or organist. Along with her keyboard skills, she had a lovely soprano voice, often singing solos or in ensembles. Her ability to harmonize musically also carried over into her social skills, bringing harmony among family and friends.
Donna attended a one-room country school during most of her grade school years. After her 1953 graduation from Donnelly-McCall High School, Donna enrolled in Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi, where her Uncle Cecil Soper served as president. Then in the fall of 1953 she transferred to Conquerors Bible College in Portland, Oregon.
After her May 1955 graduation from CBC, she remained at the college as Instructor of Music. While she happily filled her role as a music teacher, one of the students took note of Donna’s sweet personality and sought her friendship. On August 2, 1959, Donna became the bride of Mel Kaiser in a lovely ceremony in Rupert, Idaho. After Mel’s graduation from Bible college in 1960, he attended and graduated from Cascade College in Portland and became a certified teacher.
While Mel was still in college, Donna gave birth to their first son, Dennis Kent on June 11, 1962. Donna and Mel moved from Portland to Emmett, Idaho, in 1962 where Mel began his teaching career. While in Idaho Donna gave birth to their second son, Michael Jay on May 27, 1964. From Idaho the family moved to the Hoonah, Alaska, where Mel taught school and served as a pastor.
While living in Hoonah, Donna encountered heart problems and learned that she had a damaged heart valve resulting from childhood rheumatic fever. Leaving Hoonah at the close of the school year (1965), the family returned to Portland where Donna had open heart surgery. Though she struggled with heart issues through the years and endured three more open heart surgeries, Donna maintained a positive spirit, remaining busy in homemaking and church activities. In the years following her first heart surgery, Mel’s teaching and administrative jobs involved several moves for the family within Idaho and Oregon. Donna always adjusted without complaint, making friends in each location. While living in the Eugene area she taught in a church nursery school. Whatever her situation, Donna loved, shared, and harmonized!
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Mel (2009), her brother Gary (2010), and an infant grandson Casey Jacob (2002).
She was survived by her sister Darline of Yuba City, CA; two sons, Dennis (Wendy) of Rancho Palo Verdes, CA and Michael (Terryl) of Junction City, OR; three granddaughters: Kylie and Haylie of CA and Brooke of Junction City, and one grandson: Caleb (Junction City); a niece Cheri of Boise, ID and a nephew Jason (Jessica) of Klamath Falls, OR; two step nieces Esther (John) Thomas; Sharon (John) Floe; two step nephews Phil (Charlene) and Stan (Jackie) Royer. She also leaves behind many cousins and other relatives and close friends.
Donna Nadine Kantola Kaiser
January 30, 1935 ~ April 14, 2016
Donna Nadine Kaiser, aged 81, died peacefully on April 14, 2016, at her home in Junction City, Oregon, surrounded by family members, after a struggle with congestive heart failure.
Donna was born at 2:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 30, 1935, in Caldwell, Idaho, the first child of Alvin and Tressa Kantola, who made their home on a farm near Arling, Idaho. Donna’s birth brought joy in the midst of sorrow as her maternal grandmother’s burial took place on the day of her birth. Her grandmother, Blanche Quick, had been tragically killed in Caldwell by a hit and run driver.
As the firstborn grandchild of Jacob and Mathilda Kantola, immigrants from Finland, Donna held a place of distinction. Her father’s six brothers and three sisters found delight in spoiling their first niece. And her mother’s only sister Ola Soper and her husband Cecil, who had earlier lost a baby daughter, doted on their little niece. As the years progressed, Donna found herself loved and respected among the increasing number of Kantola grandchildren (32 in all) as well as by her three Soper cousins.
Twenty-one months after her birth, Donna became the big sister to Jean Darline. Then 14 years later, Donna and Darline were both delighted at the birth of their brother Gary Alvin. When their father arrived home from the hospital in the early hours of the morning, he announced to his teenage girls, “Well, I got my preacher boy.” Though Donna left home to attend Bible college when Gary was only 15 months old, she had a special bond with her brother, who indeed became a preacher.
As a young child Donna showed evidence of innate musical talent. By her teenage years she played the piano with excellence, either by note or by ear, and also played the clarinet. When her parents bought her an accordion, she quickly became skilled on it, along with playing the organ. As the years progressed, she often served as the church pianist or organist. Along with her keyboard skills, she had a lovely soprano voice, often singing solos or in ensembles. Her ability to harmonize musically also carried over into her social skills, bringing harmony among family and friends.
Donna attended a one-room country school during most of her grade school years. After her 1953 graduation from Donnelly-McCall High School, Donna enrolled in Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi, where her Uncle Cecil Soper served as president. Then in the fall of 1953 she transferred to Conquerors Bible College in Portland, Oregon.
After her May 1955 graduation from CBC, she remained at the college as Instructor of Music. While she happily filled her role as a music teacher, one of the students took note of Donna’s sweet personality and sought her friendship. On August 2, 1959, Donna became the bride of Mel Kaiser in a lovely ceremony in Rupert, Idaho. After Mel’s graduation from Bible college in 1960, he attended and graduated from Cascade College in Portland and became a certified teacher.
While Mel was still in college, Donna gave birth to their first son, Dennis Kent on June 11, 1962. Donna and Mel moved from Portland to Emmett, Idaho, in 1962 where Mel began his teaching career. While in Idaho Donna gave birth to their second son, Michael Jay on May 27, 1964. From Idaho the family moved to the Hoonah, Alaska, where Mel taught school and served as a pastor.
While living in Hoonah, Donna encountered heart problems and learned that she had a damaged heart valve resulting from childhood rheumatic fever. Leaving Hoonah at the close of the school year (1965), the family returned to Portland where Donna had open heart surgery. Though she struggled with heart issues through the years and endured three more open heart surgeries, Donna maintained a positive spirit, remaining busy in homemaking and church activities. In the years following her first heart surgery, Mel’s teaching and administrative jobs involved several moves for the family within Idaho and Oregon. Donna always adjusted without complaint, making friends in each location. While living in the Eugene area she taught in a church nursery school. Whatever her situation, Donna loved, shared, and harmonized!
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Mel (2009), her brother Gary (2010), and an infant grandson Casey Jacob (2002).
She was survived by her sister Darline of Yuba City, CA; two sons, Dennis (Wendy) of Rancho Palo Verdes, CA and Michael (Terryl) of Junction City, OR; three granddaughters: Kylie and Haylie of CA and Brooke of Junction City, and one grandson: Caleb (Junction City); a niece Cheri of Boise, ID and a nephew Jason (Jessica) of Klamath Falls, OR; two step nieces Esther (John) Thomas; Sharon (John) Floe; two step nephews Phil (Charlene) and Stan (Jackie) Royer. She also leaves behind many cousins and other relatives and close friends.
January 30, 1935 ~ April 14, 2016
Donna Nadine Kaiser, aged 81, died peacefully on April 14, 2016, at her home in Junction City, Oregon, surrounded by family members, after a struggle with congestive heart failure.
Donna was born at 2:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 30, 1935, in Caldwell, Idaho, the first child of Alvin and Tressa Kantola, who made their home on a farm near Arling, Idaho. Donna’s birth brought joy in the midst of sorrow as her maternal grandmother’s burial took place on the day of her birth. Her grandmother, Blanche Quick, had been tragically killed in Caldwell by a hit and run driver.
As the firstborn grandchild of Jacob and Mathilda Kantola, immigrants from Finland, Donna held a place of distinction. Her father’s six brothers and three sisters found delight in spoiling their first niece. And her mother’s only sister Ola Soper and her husband Cecil, who had earlier lost a baby daughter, doted on their little niece. As the years progressed, Donna found herself loved and respected among the increasing number of Kantola grandchildren (32 in all) as well as by her three Soper cousins.
Twenty-one months after her birth, Donna became the big sister to Jean Darline. Then 14 years later, Donna and Darline were both delighted at the birth of their brother Gary Alvin. When their father arrived home from the hospital in the early hours of the morning, he announced to his teenage girls, “Well, I got my preacher boy.” Though Donna left home to attend Bible college when Gary was only 15 months old, she had a special bond with her brother, who indeed became a preacher.
As a young child Donna showed evidence of innate musical talent. By her teenage years she played the piano with excellence, either by note or by ear, and also played the clarinet. When her parents bought her an accordion, she quickly became skilled on it, along with playing the organ. As the years progressed, she often served as the church pianist or organist. Along with her keyboard skills, she had a lovely soprano voice, often singing solos or in ensembles. Her ability to harmonize musically also carried over into her social skills, bringing harmony among family and friends.
Donna attended a one-room country school during most of her grade school years. After her 1953 graduation from Donnelly-McCall High School, Donna enrolled in Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, Mississippi, where her Uncle Cecil Soper served as president. Then in the fall of 1953 she transferred to Conquerors Bible College in Portland, Oregon.
After her May 1955 graduation from CBC, she remained at the college as Instructor of Music. While she happily filled her role as a music teacher, one of the students took note of Donna’s sweet personality and sought her friendship. On August 2, 1959, Donna became the bride of Mel Kaiser in a lovely ceremony in Rupert, Idaho. After Mel’s graduation from Bible college in 1960, he attended and graduated from Cascade College in Portland and became a certified teacher.
While Mel was still in college, Donna gave birth to their first son, Dennis Kent on June 11, 1962. Donna and Mel moved from Portland to Emmett, Idaho, in 1962 where Mel began his teaching career. While in Idaho Donna gave birth to their second son, Michael Jay on May 27, 1964. From Idaho the family moved to the Hoonah, Alaska, where Mel taught school and served as a pastor.
While living in Hoonah, Donna encountered heart problems and learned that she had a damaged heart valve resulting from childhood rheumatic fever. Leaving Hoonah at the close of the school year (1965), the family returned to Portland where Donna had open heart surgery. Though she struggled with heart issues through the years and endured three more open heart surgeries, Donna maintained a positive spirit, remaining busy in homemaking and church activities. In the years following her first heart surgery, Mel’s teaching and administrative jobs involved several moves for the family within Idaho and Oregon. Donna always adjusted without complaint, making friends in each location. While living in the Eugene area she taught in a church nursery school. Whatever her situation, Donna loved, shared, and harmonized!
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Mel (2009), her brother Gary (2010), and an infant grandson Casey Jacob (2002).
She was survived by her sister Darline of Yuba City, CA; two sons, Dennis (Wendy) of Rancho Palo Verdes, CA and Michael (Terryl) of Junction City, OR; three granddaughters: Kylie and Haylie of CA and Brooke of Junction City, and one grandson: Caleb (Junction City); a niece Cheri of Boise, ID and a nephew Jason (Jessica) of Klamath Falls, OR; two step nieces Esther (John) Thomas; Sharon (John) Floe; two step nephews Phil (Charlene) and Stan (Jackie) Royer. She also leaves behind many cousins and other relatives and close friends.
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