Donna Evonne Wanschaffe

Donna E. (Mensing) Wanschaffe, 89 of Devils Lake formerly of St. John, ND passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, November 22^nd from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 8:30 p.m.  Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Graveside Services will be at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, rural St. John, ND on Friday, November 23^rd at 3:00 p.m. with the Reverend Thaines Arulandu officiating. 

Donna Evonne was born on September 5, 1929 in Minot, ND, the daughter of Lloyd and Eva (Pomarleau) Mensing.  She was reared and educated in St. John, ND graduating from St. John High School. 

Donna was united in marriage to Micheal William Wanschaffe on June 3, 1948.  They established their home in St. John and together they would live, work and raise their family.  Donna was a devoted wife and mother and after the death of Micheal on November 16, 1967, she continued to call St. John home. Donna took over Micheal’s mail carrier route for a short time and also worked as a Teacher’s Aide and Secretary at the St. John School.  Donna also was a faithful worker at St. John the Baptist Church in various capacities, and was an active member there until moving to Devils Lake. 

In 1971, the family moved to Devils Lake and with great determination and sacrifice, Donna received her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree through Lake Region Junior College.  She was a caring nurse to many at Mercy Hospital and the Lake Region Lutheran Home until her retirement.  She was at one time married to Leo Bourassa.

Donna was never afraid to tackle any project or experience any adventure.  She created many beautiful ceramic pieces, knitted pieces and crocheted projects (She taught herself how to crochet) and lovingly shared them with family and friends.  However Blair never got his knitted sweater.  She enjoyed playing cards, belonged to a Car Club in Minot, was the proud owner of a Studebaker that was part of many parades, she along with several other ladies, would perform their taking the parts of a Model T and putting it together as quickly as possible and then driving it off.  She and Micheal and the family traveled throughout the United States including Alaska, California, New York and others.  She volunteered at Hostfest for many years.

As active as Donna was in the community, her priority became her grandchildren. She did her best to attend all of their school activities and other events.  She was always their loudest cheerleader and greatest fan.  She was an encouragement to them, was so proud of them and loved them with all her heart. 

In April of 2007, Donna entered the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake and was a resident there at the time of her death. 

Donna is survived by her loving family. Her children Annette (Jim) Savaloja, Leeds, ND, William (DiAnna) Wanschaffe, Manville, ND, Mary Beth (Wally) Odegaard, West Fargo, ND and Tracy (Steve) McGath, Aloha, OR; son-in-law Blair Tandeski, St. John, ND; twelve grandchildren Sherry (Kevin) Manning, Shelly (Jamie) Horning, Stacy (Kevin) Cedarstrom and Sharla Tandeski; Lynette (Sylvain) Pineault, Janelle Savaloja and Michael (fiancé, Emily) Savaloja; Micheal Wanschaffe; Ethan Odegaard and Erin Odegaard; Mykayla McGath and Samantha McGath; fourteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sisters Faye (Ernie) Arlt, Minot and Gayle Iverson, Devils Lake; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Micheal; daughters Joy Wanschaffe and Debbie Tandeski; siblings Reed Mensing, Marilyn Guedesse and Lamotte Mensing. 

Casket Bearers for Donna will be Benny Brown, Kevin Manning, Jamie Horning, Michael Savaloja, Ethan Odegaard, Micheal Wanschaffe and Nathan Trottier.  Honorary Bears are all of Donna’s Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews and the loving and caring staff of the Good Samaritan Center. Reading the Scriptures will be Carla Brown and Tiffany Iverson and Gift Bearers are Donna’s children Annette, William, Mary Beth and Tracy.