LaDonna Lorene Nazarenus

LaDonna Lorene Nelson Nazarenus

LaDonna was born on August 9, 1938, in Spencer, Iowa to Ernest and Mable Nelson and was the eldest of three siblings. She grew up in Ruthven, Iowa running carefree trying to catch up to her father or sitting on the front porch snapping green beans with her mother.

LaDonna attended Oak Park Academy where she got her academy dream job being the piano accompanist for the music department. After graduation she attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska as a nursing student. In her junior year, nursing students were sent to Porter Hospital in Denver, Colorado to finish their education. It was there she met her husband, Bob Nazarenus. LaDonna worked as an RN for her entire career until open heart surgery required her to quit. She usually worked on the oncology floor. It was hard but she loved getting to know her patients and care for them like family. Her specialty was starting IVs. If anyone, anywhere in the hospital had trouble starting an IV, they called LaDonna.

In 1963 she and Bob got married. LaDonna had always wanted to be a mother and she didn’t have to wait long. Cheri and Sandy were quick to join them. They spent most of their days in Thornton, Colorado. Camping was a hobby that was enjoyed for years, even after grandsons came along. LaDonna was an avid reader and rock collector. Her grandsons were her pride and joy. She loved collecting elephants and wished she would have been able to be a missionary to Africa. Deer were another animal with which she had a special connection. While camping, deer always seemed to find her and not be afraid of her. The qualities of a deer seem to describe LaDonna well. It was a remarkable connection.

LaDonna is survived by her sister Sharon Nelson Biles; brother Larry Nelson; daughter, Cheryl Nazarenus Dunkin; two grandsons Seth Dunkin, great grandson Adam Dunkin, Trevor Dunkin; Sandy Nazarenus Hepp; three grandsons Joshua Hepp, great granddaughter Claire Hepp, Ethan Hepp, Luke Hepp. She is preceded in death by both parents, and husband Bob.

*A private reception will be held afterwards upon family invite only*

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