KROESE, Donna Ruth (Heinz), age 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021 in Athens TX. Born on November 3, 1932 in Sutton, Nebraska, Donna graduated from Fairmont High School in 1950, and received her BS in Education from the University of Nebraska. She was a blessing to so many, living a full life that centered on raising a family through the various assignments of her husband’s Air Force career. Grounded firmly in her Christian faith, she was an active member (Sunday School teacher, choir singer, group leader) of churches around the world, most recently a long membership at Denton Bible Church in Denton, Texas. Donna also pursued a successful teaching career, in the midst of Air Force family life and after; she first taught in a one-room Nebraska schoolhouse, followed by positions in Texas, Maryland, Hawaii, Virginia, Nebraska and Japan. A skilled pianist and singer, from a music-loving family, she touched many through song. She was also almost, but not quite, as skilled as her own mother in making delicious German kraut runzas.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Marie Heinz, as well as by siblings Vernon and Sharon. She is survived by her college sweetheart and husband of 65 years, Coe Kroese, Colonel USAF (Ret.); siblings Marilyn, Gerald and Jane; son Doug with wife Frances, son Jeffrey with wife Carolyn, and son Gregg; grandsons Zachary and Cameron with wife Ashley; granddaughters Shanna, Bethany, Lani with husband Ouwen, and Jessica; great-grandson Camden; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on June 5, 2021, at Denton Bible Church, 2300 E. University Drive, Denton Texas.