Donna Rae Kniola

Donna Rae Kniola 

January 25, 1947-December 24, 2024

Donna Rae Kniola, 77, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Community Hospital Munster, IN.

She was born January 25, 1947 in Provo, Utah, the daughter of Hamilton Cleo Johns and Florence Madolin (Allen) Johns- Nunn.

A lifelong resident of the area, Donna was a graduate of La Porte High School, class of 1965. She was a baptized and confirmed member of Holy Family Parish, attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte. Throughout her life, Donna had a servants heart and held memberships in PRCU, PNA, and Eagle Aerie 2439. She played catcher for the Red Rooster women's softball team, winning the city championship 6 years in a row. Donna enjoyed bartending for many of the clubs around town, including the Del Ray Inn, the old Moose Club and the PRCU. She was known for her Patriotism, she loved to read, and was a die hard Bears and Cubs fan. She attended many NASCAR races with her family, always cheering for Mark Martin. Donna had a great love for 70's and 80's music and went to numerous concerts at the Civic and Fox Park. She held a special place in her heart for her family and her pets and she will be greatly missed by them all.

 She is survived by her daughter, Katie (Greg) Marciniak of Fort Mill, SC; brother, William Kent Brewer of Sparta, MI; sister, Ruth Anne (Randy) Ludlow of Benton Harbor, MI; brother-in-law, Phil Dickson of Sparta, MI; two grandchildren, Margot and Kyle Marciniak; life partner, Jason Fischer of La Porte, and Jason's daughter Emily; nephews, PJ (Wendi), Joe (Rebecca); nieces, Sarah (Kevin), Kyra (Ace), Megan, Melissa (Ryan), Jessica, Stephanie (Larry) ;great-nephews, Zach, Wreese, Wrigley, Devan, Joshua, Cayden, Josiah, Noah, Jacob; great-nieces, Abby, Petra, Payton, Anna, Allison, Cordelia, Desiree, Monica and Chastity; and her dog, Na Na. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Debra Faye Dickson, and her beloved dog, Lucy.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends for a viewing on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Deacon Frank Zolvinski, officiating. Interment will follow at the Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana. The family requests that you wear Bears or Cubbies attire to the visitation in honor of Donna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna's name to the La Porte County small animal shelter, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, IN 46350.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.