Donna Leigh Fuerst Mann

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(Dec. 31, 1930 - Dec. 2, 2014)

Donna Leigh Fuerst Mann passed away unexpectedly in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 2, 2014, following a wonderful visit with her son and his entire family.

She was born on Dec. 31, 1930, in Kirksville, Mo., to Martin and Dorothy Fuerst while Martin was attending medical school. After graduating as a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), Martin started his first practice in Sturgis, S.D., where Donna’s sister, Sandra, was born in 1933. 

In 1936 the family moved to Riverton and started the Fremont Clinic. The sisters completed school in Riverton with Donna moving on to attend the University of Wyoming. There she joined the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She also rekindled an acquaintance with Homer Corning Mann of Powell made at a band festival during high school, and ultimately they became engaged. On March 24, 1951, she married the handsome young Air Force Lieutenant and began her life as a military wife.

During their 20 years of service they lived in California, Washington, Japan, Texas, Ohio, Nebraska and Germany. Corning also served for 15 months in Vietnam. During the years they added three children to their family: Victoria, Vincent and Steven.

The favorite family duty assignment was in Wiesbaden, Germany. Donna loved traveling to the various regions of Europe and sharing the galleries, museums and historic sights with her family. She was a Girl Scout leader who took her troop on adventures to London, Berlin and Switzerland. Her most beloved times were those spent visiting the castles along the Rhine River on day trips over weekends.

She never tired of teaching her children about history and art as they traveled the region. There wasn’t a lot of spare money back then, so when the family headed out on longer trips, the car was loaded with the old green wall tent, sleeping bags and camp kitchen Corning had made. There are many tales of camping adventures throughout Europe during the ’60s mostly relating to excessive rain and wet gear!

While Corning was in Vietnam, Donna returned to college at Bellevue University and finished her degree in psychology. She had a career for the first time working as an occupational therapist in Omaha. It was also then that she began to take tole painting classes. Her tremendous talent as a teacher and artist is known locally where she taught tole painting classes first at Northwest College and then from her own studio in the “Little House” until her death.

Corning retired in 1970 and several years later they moved to the family homestead north of Powell. From there they enjoyed horseback riding, travelling to visit their children and being closer to their own parents. The couple pooled their considerable talents as they restored, renovated and decorated their new home. Corning died of cancer too soon in 1980, leaving Donna a widow at the age of 49.

Donna made a remarkable life on her own with the help of her family and many wonderful friends in Powell. She taught tole painting, spent years teaching dog obedience classes with Patty Crumrine, played in several bridge clubs, belonged to PEO, the fine arts club and her Sunday afternoon card group.

Most importantly, she was active in her church and Bible study. Donna had an unwavering faith and announced recently that she had had a long and full life and was “ready to go” any time. One of her most notable accomplishments in this community was the organization and painting of the 4-by-8 foot wooden Christmas “cards” given to each church in Powell. This massive project carried out by the members of the Light of Christ Church was to serve as a reminder for the true reason for celebrating Christmas. It is with great joy that her family sees many of those boards displayed by our area churches every year.

Donna was known for her unparalleled faith, her inspirational optimism, her love and care for her friends, her passion for education, her many talents, hospitality, humor and generosity. Her family knew her as one who believed in each one of them deeply and made many dreams possible. She radiated peace, compassion, understanding and love in all her actions. She was forever painting, knitting, cross-stitching or sewing something for a grand- or great-grandchild. There was a book being read in every room. She truly shared all she had financially and emotionally with anyone in need.

Donna is survived by her children Vicki (Bruce) Olson of Powell and Steven (Pam) Mann of Columbus, Ohio; her sister, Sandra DelMonte; sisters-in-law, Carla Danahey and Lupe Mann; daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Mann; nephews, Martin DelMonte and John Carl Mann; and nieces, Rachel Rosebrook and Marjorie Barela. She was an integral part in the lives of her 12 grandchildren: Michael, Jeffrey, Robert, Daniel, Josh and Dustin Mann and Sarah, Lars, Marta, Gunnar, Hannah and Yelena Olson, all of whom will be attending her memorial service. She also was extremely proud of her 13 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Corning Mann; her son, Vincent Mann; her parents, Martin and Dorothy Fuerst; Corning’s parents, Homer and Marjorie Mann; brothers-in-law, John Mann and Harold DelMonte; and nephew, Shawn Williams.

The celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Hope Lutheran Church in Powell to be followed by a salad and dessert luncheon. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a Northwest College scholarship fund for students of the arts, the local animal shelter or a charity of your choice in her name. As practical as she was, Donna would prefer that money be used to help others! The family would like to thank all of her friends who made her life so joyful and those special ladies who watched over her and continue to watch over and pray for her grieving family.

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