Donna Kantner Obituary
She was born on Thursday, March 30, 1933, in Saint Louis, MO, the daughter of John and Mary (nee Michael) Rench.
On Thursday, June 26, 1952, she married Wilbert G. Kantner at Little Rock, Arkansas, who passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 1979.
Donna was born in St. Louis, MO, and at the age of three, the family moved to Old Ripley, IL. She was a graduate of Pocahontas High School, Pocahontas, IL. She was a caregiver by nature and that led to her vocation as a Nurse's Aide. She had worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Highland and at Belleville Memorial Hospital. She retired in 1989, but continued working at Belleville Hospital and Chastain's Nursing Home, now called Highland Healthcare Center. She Truly loved her job and the people she worked with. Her Special Niece and Nephew welcomed her with open arms and shared pictures and stories of her heritage. She had an incredible smile. As a family we are forever grateful to have had her. Her strength was contagious to all who knew and loved her. She will be missed.
Survivors include:
Daughter - Bonnie (Jerry) Schmitt, Troy, IL
Daughter - Deborah Jakel, Bowling Green, KY
Daughter - Elizabeth (Kevin) Ward, Saint Charles, MO
Daughter - Naomi Brown, Saint Charles, MO
Grandchild - Dawn (Joe) Thein, Nashville, TN
Grandchild - Dara (John) Cherry, Bowling Green, KY
Grandchild - Cale (Laura) Schmitt, Highland, IL
Grandchild - Amanda (Significant Other Carrie Philbrick Mackey) Schmitt, Shiloh, IL
Grandchild - Brandon (Significant Other Jen Lohrman) Richter, St. Louis, MO
Grandchild - Austin (Significant Other Sheyla Fuentes) Ward, St. Peters, MO
Great Grandchild - Christ (Significant Other Sierra Leitz) House, Auburn, KY
Great Grandchild - Tyler Cherry, Bowling Green, KY
Great Grandchild - Caden Cherry, Bowling Green, KY
Great Grandchild - Gavin Schmitt, Highland, IL
Great Grandchild - Madison Schmitt, Highland, IL
Niece - Amy (Jerry) Walch, Villa Grove, IL
Nephew - Ralph (Marybeth) Sprague, Elmwood, IL
She was preceded in death by:
Father - John H. Rench - Died 5/01/1954
Mother - Mary E. Rench, nee Michael - Died 1/16/1976
Husband - Wilbert G. "Red" Kantner - Died 2/14/1979
Son - Robert W. (Theresa) Kantner - Died together 10/07/1979 Auto Accident
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Arrangements are private.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Metro East Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
1501 9th Street P.O. Box 187, Highland, IL 62249-0187
Make a Donation
in Donna Kantner's name
People and places connected with Donna
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Donna's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Donna Kantner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
