With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Donna Uhre, who passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, just months shy of her 100th birthday. Her nearly century-long life was marked by an adventurous spirit, unwavering hard work, deep family devotion, and a steadfast embrace of her husband's Norwegian heritage.

Born on December 8, 1925, to Ella and William Ischen, Donna was the middle of five children raised on the family farm in Artesian, South Dakota. From an early age, she embodied the resilience and determination of farm life—helping with chores, tending to animals, and playing alongside her brother and sisters, forging a lifelong bond with her family and the land.

Eager to explore the world beyond the prairie, Donna moved after high school with her sisters Joyce and Mildred to the bustling city of Minneapolis, where they lived in a boarding house and found work there. Never one to stand still for long, the trio soon set their sights westward, traveling to California during World War II. There, they worked, lived at the YMCA, and relished the excitement of California life.

Her journey eventually brought her back to South Dakota, where in 1946 she married a young farmer, Marvin Uhre, and together they built a life rooted in hard work and deep community in Mt. Vernon. They raised two sons, Craig and Richard and Donna ensured that her boys were not only well cared for but also enriched by music, sports, and swimming—driving countless miles to lessons, games, and practices. Through it all, she balanced the demands of farm life with an open home filled with friends, faith, and laughter.

A gifted hostess, Donna shared her love of Norwegian traditions—especially at the holidays—where she prepared cherished dishes such as lefse, hotdishes, and, to varying degrees of enthusiasm from her family, lutefisk. Her home was also known for lively card games and the warmth of her hospitality.

In 1982, Donna and Marvin sold the farm and moved to Rapid City, where Donna's greatest joy became her grandchildren. She attended track meets, dance recitals, soccer games, and football matches, always the most devoted cheerleader in the stands. She poured her heart into creating scrapbooks, baking lovingly decorated cakes, and hosting celebrations that made each grandchild feel uniquely seen and cherished.

Donna's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and tradition. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and joyful celebration.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin Uhre; her sisters Mildred Hendrix, Joyce Scott, and Delores Mathis; and her granddaughter Jennifer Ballard.

She is survived by her sons, Craig Uhre (Joan) and Richard Uhre (Helen); brother Bill Ischen (Cheryl); grandchildren Nicole Uhre-Balk (Forest), Lacey Uhre, Adam Uhre, Mariana Constantin, Newman Decency, Chad Uhre (Lisa), Josh Uhre (Amy), Nick Uhre, and Judd Uhre (Alexandria); along with 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her indomitable spirit.

Her life was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.  Private burial will take place at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Clarkson Health Care 1015 Mountain View Road in Rapid City, SD 57702 .