Donna Jean Keppler Neuner
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Donna Jean (Keppler) Neuner, 80, Lawrence, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas. Donna was born on March 8, 1941 in Pontiac, Illinois, the daughter of Frank “Kep” Keppler and Mildred “Millie” (Ashton) Keppler.
Donna married Andrew Michael “Mike” Neuner on April 4, 1964 in Springfield, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on February 19, 2021.
Donna was also preceded in death by her parents; her cousin, Jerry Berry; and her brother-in-law, Phil Matson.
Donna is survived by her sister, Betty Matson; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John & Jill Neuner; four nieces, three great nieces, and three great nephews, Kimberly (Russ) Brien of Hiawatha, Kansas and their children, Olivia (Ashley Kampfer) Brien & Adam Brien, Pamela (Lee) Mrsich of Belleville, Illinois and their children, Morgan Mrsich and Bailey Mrsich, Kelly (Brian) Poplin of Springboro, Ohio and their children, Isaac Poplin and Evan Poplin, and Katherine (Roy Mangrum) Green-Mangrum of Nashville, Tennessee; and two cousins, Sharon (Bud) Darran and cousin Jerry’s wife, Mary Lou Berry. She is also survived by her dear friends, Brad and Kathy Willis of Lawrence.
Donna received her Bachelor’s Degree from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. She worked as a social worker for 10 years in Illinois before moving to Lawrence, Kansas in 1973. Donna had a 30-year career with the University of Kansas Alumni Association in Lawrence, serving as the Director of Membership Services and traveling the world as the leader of the Association’s Flying Jayhawk travel program. She retired in 2003. Donna was the facilitator of the Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group in Lawrence as well as a member of the Lawrence First Presbyterian Church.
As per Donna’s wishes, she will be cremated. There will be no service at this time due to the Covid pandemic. Donna will be buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Donna was one of my best friends when I lived in Lawrence. She will be missed.
When my late wife and I moved to Lawrence in 1994 from Springfield, Illinois, we met Mike and Donna, and their good friends the Willis’, at the former Holiday Park pool. Although I had not seen them for years, I remember the fun we had discussing past times in Illinois. My condolences on the passing of both Donna, and Mike earlier this year.
Donna’s genuine smile and sincere conversation will remain in my memory. May she and Mike Rest In Peace together again
God bless all the family of Donna and Mike Neuner. I met them when I moved in Lawrence and worked with Donna at the KU Alumni Association. They were such a special pair, and had so much fun together. Donna was a faithful and true friend to me after I left that job and moved out of state. We stayed in touch through newsy letters and cards over the years, and whenever we could, we arranged a visit when I made it back to Lawrence. Just recently, I was cleaning out old paperwork and found several cards and notes of encouragement she wrote to me. It was a joy to read them all again and remember what a joy she was, and the special friendship we shared. She loved her family so much, and loved to keep me updated on them. (I felt like I sort of “knew” them through her stories.) Donna always had a faithful heart and a kind word, and never ever forgot any little kindness that I showed to her. What a treasure she was! She will be missed here on earth, but is now with her Savior eternally.