Dona Ferguson

Dona May Ferguson, 93, of Lewiston died Monday, September 25, 2023 at Winona Health.  Dona was born in Winona on October 24, 1929, the only child of Earl and Olga (Zenke) Pappenfus. Dona began her early life in the Witoka area.  Her family moved to Flanigan Hill near Fremont, where she began her school years at Jackson Country School before they moved to Lewiston.

Dona graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947.  Shortly after graduation, Dona began working for Security State Bank in Lewiston.  In the winter of 1949, she was named Lewiston Snow Queen, and represented Lewiston in the Winona Winter Carnival.

On July 25, 1953 Dona married James M. Ferguson at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewiston. Her father-in-law and mother-in-law were J.D. (Joseph Daniel) and Frieda (Meyer) Ferguson of Lewiston. Dona and Jim “Fergie” farmed most of their married lives in addition to working jobs off the farm. Jim passed away July 7, 2012.

Dona had many hobbies and interests. Some of her favorite times were the many trips out west; Montana was her favorite.  She enjoyed collecting and displaying her doll collection. To share her joy of dolls she would load them in the car, take and display them at the local nursing home for a visit with residents. Dona enjoyed cake decorating, bowling, oil painting, saddle club, decorating her home for the holidays and shopping for collectibles.  Special days were spent at a church bake sale, attending antique tractor shows with Jim, or a ride to Linda’s Bakery. Dona attended her many class reunions, even her 70th reunion, reminiscing about her days in the old Lewiston High School.

Following 20 years working at Security State Bank, she worked at Lewiston Vet Clinic, ASCS office, Lewiston Sales barn, Camera Art and Kwik Trip on a part-time basis. Dona served on the Lewiston Public Cemetery board as Treasurer for many years. She was an election judge for Warren Township. Dona was a member of St. Paul’s UCC/ ELCA Church in Lewiston where she was very involved serving on several committees over the years. Dona was a philanthropist to charities, especially involving children.

Dona was a very loving daughter, wife, Godmother, friend, cousin, and community member. She will be truly missed, especially by close friends, Dennis and Kim Wirt, Eldon and Lila Salwey. She had the ability to make people feel special and appreciated; would send a card, write a note, or remember them with a gift on special occasions. Dona had a smile and laugh that would light the room with her presence.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at St. Paul’s UCC/ ELCA church in Lewiston. A visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at church on the day of services.  Burial will follow next to Jim in Lewiston Public Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Paul’s Church. www.hofffuneal.com.