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UNGER

September 28, 2009

UNGER, Donna Pearl November 22, 1923 - August 18, 2009 Donna passed away peacefully in the Biggar Union Hospital at the age of 85 with her family by her side. She was born November 22, 1923 in Leedale, AB to Esther Mottet and Harley Belt. She was the eldest daughter in her family of eleven and attended school in Leedale, AB. In her early days although she was busy helping her mother she enjoyed riding her horse and school. At age 15, she began cooking in a lumber camp and has been a marvelous cook all her life. Her family has a recipe or two that they can only hope to duplicate. Donna read the news, listened to the radio and had a remarkable sports memory - especially hockey and baseball. She was a star player in all trivia challenges. She loved doing crossword puzzles and was a great cribbage player. Her quick whit and sense of humor were always a source of entertainment. She had a smile that lit up the room and to her family was everything. She loved company and the coffee pot was always on. She enjoyed large family dinners, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and gardening. Donna met her spouse Bob Unger, a truck driver, in 1941. They lived in logging camps in Trail and Galloway, BC. Later they moved to Bentley, buying a service station and then Lacombe AB. In Edmonton AB., she enjoyed working as a nanny, at a nursing home, a book bindery and a grocery store, In her later years, she spent many hours helping her daughter, Dixie on the farm. Donna and Bob were "Snowbirds" for many years, travelling to Yuma, AZ. Donna moved to Biggar after her husband passed away. Having great grand children added an immense amount of enjoyment to her years. They too will remember her hospitality in the lodge. Donna made friends wherever she went and left her mark with them. Christmas was a great celebration for her and her traditions will be carried on in all our families. There will be an empty spot at the celebration tables forever. We thank her for all the love and memories we have to cherish. She is lovingly remembered by her three children: sons, Rod (Anne), Jerry (Maureen) of Edmonton, AB and daughter, Dixie (Ernie) Dehr of Biggar, SK. grandchildren, Jackie Unger, Jim (Denise) Unger, Bill (Jenn) Unger, Holly Unger, Kimberley (Todd) Wildeman, Coady (Lexie) Dehr, eleven great-grandchildren and two sisters, Gladys Cole and Doris (Ed) Marcum, sister-in-law, Violet Belt; sister-in-law, Margaret Unger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Donna was predeceased in 1997 by her husband of 56 years, Bob Unger. Also predeceased by granddaughter, Shannon Unger, brothers, Ed, Dallas, Gordon, Vernon, and sister, Carole Mannix. Funeral service was held Saturday August 22, 2009 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Biggar SK. with Pastor Chris Bishop officiating. Organist was Dianna Dollack and soloist, Cindy Hoppe. Honorary Bearers were Jim Unger, Bill Unger, Brant Schultz, Jessie Shultz, Coady Dehr. Donna lived a full and productive life and her family misses her. Donna's ashes will be laid to rest beside her husband and just miles from her Ernie and Dixie's farm. Their head stone reads MEET YOU ON DOWN THE ROAD.