Donna Rae Bandt, 70, of Wolbach, died on Friday, November 3, 2023 at CHI Health–St. Francis in Grand Island.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. Reverend Vince Parsons celebrated the Mass. Recorded selections included “The Old Rugged Cross” by Johnny Cash, “How Great Thou Art” by Alan Jackson, and “I Saw the Light” by Josh Turner. Mario Aguilar was the lector. Honorary casketbearers included Austin Houston, Rylan Houston, Talia Bandt, Nathaniel Bandt, Leah Indra, Patrick Graybill, Derek Graybill, Stephanie Metzger, Christopher Bandt, and Dustin Bandt. Inurnment was at the Hillside Cemetery in Wolbach.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Donna Rae was born on August 14, 1953 at Tilden. She was the first of four daughters born to Arthur D. and Marlene J. (Muehlmeier) Hart.

Donna graduated from Wolbach High School in 1971.

Donna was united in marriage to Norman G. Bandt on August 19, 1978, in St. Paul. She worked several jobs involving livestock in the area until her retirement several years ago.

She was a member of the Catholic faith.

Donna liked being outdoors and took great pride in her yard and garden. She loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, and canning, and, in her younger years, she could hit the heck out of a softball.

The Phonograph-Herald | November 15, 2023

Donna is survived by her children, Genevieve and Aaron Roberts of Amherst, Texas and Kenneth Bandt of Grand Island; step-children, Trisha and Bob Steffensmeier of Clarkson and Lonnie Bandt of McCool Junction; twelve grandchildren; twenty- one great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dianne Aguilar of St. Libory.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman on February 5, 2015; stepson, William Bandt; two sisters, three brothersin- law, and two nephews, Charlene and John Rother and Dustin Rother, Linda and Ron Kruse and Kyle Kruse, and Bear Aguilar.