Donna Jean Gaulke

Donna J. Gaulke, 89, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Donna Jean, daughter of Lewis and Erdene (Starr) Gaulke, was born on July 21, 1936, in Hampton. She was the youngest twin by seven minutes to her brother Donald and grew up with her older brothers Eugene and Clinton. The family later moved to Clarion, where Donna spent her childhood and graduated from high school.

After graduation, Donna moved to Iowa Falls and attended Ellsworth Community College. Following the passing of her father in 1964, she made the decision to move to Reno, Nevada, where she built a long and dedicated career at Harrah's Casino in the sales and purchasing department. She retired from Harrah's after many years of service.

In retirement, Donna enjoyed taking exercise classes and going on various day trips with the senior center. She spent more than 50 years in Reno before returning to Clarion in 2018 to be closer to her family. Donna loved playing cards, shopping, and decorating for every holiday. During the last three years, she made her home at The Meadows, where she cherished the fellowship, activities, and community she found there.

Donna is survived by her brother Donald (Norma) Gaulke; nieces and nephews Kim (Bob) Ott, Kurt (Kelly) Gaulke, Kathy (Larry) Flynn, Beth (Brian) Willem, and Laura Abbott; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lewis and Erdene Gaulke; brothers Eugene (Betty) Gaulke and Clinton (Joann) Gaulke; nephew Craig Gaulke and great-great niece Payton Ott.