Donna passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Denison, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family, friends and pioneering spirit. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donna Jean Abitz was born Donna Jean Worden on May 3, 1950. Donna is known for her unwavering commitment to her husband, Dr. Michael Abitz “Dr. Mike” and her two sons, Scott and Tony Kepler. She was a trailblazer in her career, shattering gender barriers and achieving positions previously unattainable for women. Despite work demands, she skillfully balanced her professional life with raising a family and pursuing further education.

After graduating from high school, Donna attended Jackson Area Vocational Technical Institute. She went to work for a phone company in Fairmont, MN. When she retired, Donna started a BS degree in math and physics; however, due to moving, she completed her degree in physical science. Recognizing outstanding scholastic achievement and excellence, Donna was granted membership in the Golden Key National Honor Society from the University of Cincinnati.

Her four-year military association with the Fairmont, MN Army National Guard showcased her sense of duty and honor. As an E5, her job was to maintain records and assist the commander in administrative roles. During this time, she met Dr. Mike, and eventually, he figured out she was a keeper. They were married on July 12, 1980.

When she met Mike, she learned he was a HAM radio operator. Eventually, she studied and passed her General Class Amateur Radio licenses with the call sign KG5ARX. Shortly after joining the ranks of HAM radio, she joined Air Force MARS and served as a net control station.

Donna’s hobbies reflected her creative soul; she was a talented painter who enjoyed sharing her artwork with loved ones. Under the alias Magnolia Blossom, she also expressed her creativity through YouTube videos (www.djabitz.com), connecting with others through her artistry. Her passion for storytelling led her to become a published author, with works like “Lucky Larry,” a touching tribute to a childhood friend battling MD. Donna’s writing extended to documenting her

brother Bob’s service in Vietnam and her father Skip’s military contributions during WWII.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Dr. Mike; sons, Tony and Scott Kepler; daughters, Faith and Cheyanne Kepler; brother, Bob Worden and his wife Peggy, and their children, Tracy, Alicia and Tim Worden.

She now joins her father, Skip Worden and mother, Irene Worden, in eternal peace.

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