Donna Jean Gerken

Donna Jean Gerken, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2020 in Fort Lupton, Colorado. She was born November 19, 1943, in Logan, Kansas to Lavern Powers and Violet (Knapp) Richards. She attended North Platte High School where she met and married, Larry Gerken, one year prior to graduating in 1962. She went on later to earn her bachelor’s degree in Primary Education.

Donna had many jobs, her favorite being an elementary school teacher in both Chardron State and in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. After her teaching career, she did substitute teaching work for Weld RE3J Schools, made various arts and crafts, and even opened up “Jammin’ Grannies”, where her and her sisters prepared an assortment of jams.

Donna was known to be an exceptional cook and baker. She liked reading novels and creating Christmas ornaments for her friends and family. Donna was a woman of many talents and will be deeply missed by all of those whom had the opportunity of knowing her.

Donna is survived by her two children, a daughter; Whitney (Manuel) Gibson of San Angelo, TX, her son Warren (Sandralee) Gerken of Keenesburg, Colorado. Also by two siblings, Verna Fitts and Judy Fittipaldi and two half-sisters and a half-brother. Five grandchildren; Courtney Cullen, Megan Nielsen, Alicia Gerken, Christina Gerken, and Lauren Gerken, along with three great-grandchildren; Gia Pardo and Emily Cullen and Lilly Cullen. She is preceded in passing by both parents; Lavern Powers and Violet Richards, by her husband, Larry Gerken, and by one sister, Kathryn Stuart.     

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 18th at 11:00am at the Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Jean Gerken, please visit our floral store.