Donna loved Jesus and her family. A true servant of God, she exemplified how to live, how to love, how to serve, and, in the end, how to die with unwavering assurance of her heavenly home. In a manner pleasing to God, Donna ran the race and won! Anyone with the privilege of knowing Donna feels the immense hole that comes from her passing.

Born in Hastings, Nebraska, to Albert and Lena Alber, Donna grew up in rural farm life. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Nebraska and met the love of her life, Allan Buehner. They married August 11, 1955, and spent over 44 wonderful years together before his death in 1999. They lived in Michigan, Nebraska, upstate New York, Florida, Massachusetts, and Long Island, finally landing in colorful Colorado, fulfilling their dream to live near the mountains.

Donna and Al raised five grateful children, fostering many family memories including camping, cross-country vacations, four-wheeling, and active church participation. With mom as organist and dad as choir director, the family was at church so often it felt like a second home. When their kids were old enough, Donna entered the working world, first at McDonald’s, then Arby’s, and finally using her amazing skills as a valued secretary at Martin Marietta.

Dedicated to her Lord, Donna prioritized devotions every morning, prayers every night, and faithful involvement at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, including multiple Bible

studies, choir practices, and local church services. She would also set her alarm for 4 am every

Sunday so she would not miss her beloved Lutheran Hour online.

Donna operated as the “glue” to keep people connected. Her special ministry was sending greeting cards for all occasions, over 500 every year, touching so many people and demonstrating love in action. She enjoyed taking care of grandkids whenever there was opportunity. Donna always thought of others before herself. In her free time, Donna spent hours on the computer emailing, checking Facebook, and completing online jigsaw puzzles. Whenever visitors came, Donna was always ready for a Skipbo game.

Immediate family grieving her death include: Bruce Buehner (Liliana), child Jessica (Mark); Nancy Kurpanek,(Detlef), children Andrew (Kelly), Kevin (Katie), Eric, Katrina, Anna, Samuel; David Buehner (Holly), children Derek (Ariana), Daniel (Sarah Grace), Annaia, Aletha, Joshua; Linda Michalson (Arne), children Renee (Ian), Marie (Ethan); Judy Musick, children Jon (Abbey), Hannah, (baby Max deceased), Clara, Glory, Emma; great-grandchildren Taryn, Bryce, Max, Barrett, Eliud, Morgan, Rowan, Silas, Brock, and Kylee. Donna is also survived by her sister Ronda Lee Bierman and in-laws Dorothy and Merle Golnick.

A woman of compassion, faithfulness, devotion, and generosity, Donna/Mom reflects the very essence of Christian love. Her precious life touched all of us. The Buehner family wishes to thank all those who come to express their love for Donna.

Any memorials given in Donna’s memory should be directed to the Lutheran Hour

or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Donna's memorial service is on Monday, January 6 at 10am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church at 7691 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80122. The service will be livestreamed.