Donna Jean Flesher

Donna Jean Flesher was born on May 30, 1947, to Sim "Cliff" and Fern Sather in Everett, WA. Her father, a Washington native, fought in World War II as a combat veteran, spending a portion of his service as a prisoner of war. Her mother was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker from Carthage, Illinois. Her parents met, married, settled in Washington and welcomed her older brother Lynn Sather before Donna arrived. Donna was baptized at the Calvary Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran Church in Everett. Her baptism verse was Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". This was a charge that would stay with Donna for her entire life as an educator and example to many of how to lead a life guided by the principles of love, kindness and faithfulness. Donna's beloved younger brother, Terry, joined the family before they relocated to Crescent City, Illinois to be closer to family and for her father to join the rural mail careers.

After a few years in Crescent City, the Sather's purchased a piano which was Donna's first love. She excelled in Crescent City schools and enjoyed being a student, participating in theater, choir, band and a variety of social activities. Her love of music led her to the John Phillip Sousa award as a senior and further cemented her passion as a musician.

As a child, Donna was active in the church her family attended, St Peter's Lutheran Church. She was confirmed at the church and was a devoted servant of the music and children's ministries, playing the organ, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. The verse her pastor chose for the confirmation class was Ephesians 2: 8,9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." Donna took this passage to heart and rarely accepted accolades when sharing her God-given talents. She had faith that her contributions to the world would impact others in a meaningful way. And she was right.

Donna attended Olivet Nazarene College as a Music/Music Education Major. Donna's skill and love of the piano thrived and led her to teaching younger students to play while she was at Olivet and beyond.

While enjoying the 1968 Christmas season, Donna was introduced to the love of her life, Bob Flesher, at a Christmas Card Exchange. Bob and Donna dated for two years and were married on August 15, 1970. They decided to make their home in Watseka, IL, where they have lived for 55 years. Both focused on faithfully serving their community, Bob as a sheriff's police officer and Donna as a 2nd grade teacher in Sheldon, IL. All the while, Donna was an active musician in the church community as an organist and pianist. If you knew her, it was likely that she played the piano for your wedding. Her girls learned the love songs of the 80's right alongside nursery rhymes! Before long, Donna paused her career in teaching ALL the little children to focus on being Mom to Kristin Anne. A few years later, Beth Susanne made their family complete. Donna continued teaching piano to students in their home and playing professionally while the girls were little. Once both girls were in school Donna returned to the formal classroom and taught elementary school music and ultimately landed in kindergarten until her retirement from Watseka's Unit 9 School District.

The third love of Donna's life was her grandson, Peter Bradley. The consummate teacher, Donna was the most wonderful grandma. She reveled in playing with Peter, doing art projects, making up songs with him and most importantly, showing off pictures anytime she could. They shared a special connection through their love of music.

Donna was a kind-hearted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Her legacy is one of loving and nurturing. Her compassion for others and music are the cornerstones she leaves for those who loved her and the hundreds of students who benefited from her gentle guidance. She loved nature, creatures great and small, and the sea.

Donna goes to her heavenly home to see her parents, Sim and Fern Sather, and her brothers, Lynn and Terry Sather. She is lovingly remembered by those still here: her husband Bob, her daughters Kristin (Brad) Scholtens, Beth (Kristi) Martin and her grandson, Peter.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery south of Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to Faith Place Memory Care in Danforth where Donna lived for the last three years of her life. The care, compassion and commitment to serving others mirrors Donna's guiding life principles. Prior to living at Faith Place Donna volunteered her time and talents entertaining residents for many years.

Please share a memory of Donna at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.