Donna Ann Kraner

Donna Ann Kraner (Neerland) was born on April 28, 1930 in Amery, Wisconsin to loving parents Ingvald Neerland, and Cleo Neerland (Johnson) She was born into a robust family of 10 children; 2 girls, and 8 boys. She was the baby girl, adored by her entire family. Her beloved mother Cleo died @ only 49 years, in 1939. Donna was extremely close to her older, and only sister Ella Jane, whom she admired immensely. Janey met an untimely death in 1943. Donna missed them both endlessly. The close knit family pulled together, however, and everyone helped to raise the younger siblings. Donna moved to Portland, Oregon in 1945. Her father Ingvald, and brothers, Herman, Billy, and Roger all made the NW home. While Harold, Bob, Ted, Donny, and Lyle remained back east. In spite of the geographical division, the entire family remained close. A true testament to wonderful parents and parenting. Donna graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948. The yearbook had this to say about Donna -\u0026quot;A cheerful temper, joined with innocence will make beauty attractive, knowledge delightful, and wit, good natured\u0026quot; Those sentiments ring true today. Donna\u0027s first job was @ \u0026quot;The Downtown Theater\u0026quot;. She worked there with her high school friends, Erma and Polly during high school. After she finished school she worked @ the Phone co. with school friend Rosie. Following that, she again worked with Erma @ Rexall Drug co. until she quit to start a family. She married Frank Watson Kraner on March 15, 1952. They had 4 sons; Richard Steven, Michael Allen, Mark Paul, and Todd Franklin. She and Frank made their children priority #1. Raising them all in their safe, humble home on 102nd St. in Portland. After spending much of her time @ home rearing the children, Donna eventually returned to work. She put in 20 years of loyal service to Fred Meyer, and retired in 1993 @ age 63. Unfortunately, after 41 years of marriage Frank Kraner lost a battle to cancer soon afterward and died on Dec.14, 1993. Through the years, Donna also suffered the loss of her dear father, Ingvald, whom she described as \u0026quot;a gentlemen\u0026quot;, as well as 4 of her wonderful brothers; Herman, Harold, Billy, and Donny. Donna\u0027s strong network of friends and family helped her survive the losses in her life, and still thrive. She was always devoted to family and friends, and valued them deeply. She was a magnet that drew people to her, and brought friends and family together. She thoroughly enjoyed long visits with everyone. Donna was very competitive, even bowling on a league with friends and neighbors in the earlier years. She loved playing games of all kinds, especially cards. She usually won! And apparently she got her friends into working crossword puzzles with her in her retirement years, keeping her mind sharp. Just days before she passed, she continued to ask family members to play yahtzee with her. She won all but one game against 8 different family members. Donna loved the outdoors. She and Frank always took the boys camping, hunting, boating, water skiing, and fishing. Of course, she usually caught the most or the biggest fish! After retirement, she remained active with daily, long walks with her friends, and gardening. She enjoyed activiites @ the senior center as well, including dancing. She even learned to line dance. She loved music and dance. She was extremely graceful. Donna was always steady, and true to herself. She was impartial, and available to all. She was a breast cancer survivor, but ultimately succumbed to cancer on Aug. 6, 2014 in her Milwaukie home, surrounded by family day and night. Graceful to the end, as her son Todd told her \u0026quot;I thought you couldn\u0027t teach me anything else, but you\u0027re teaching me how to die gracefully\u0026quot;. Donna was at peace, and looking forward to her next journey. She was loved by all who knew her, and she will be missed eternally. Survivors include 4 brothers; Bob,Ted, Lyle, and Roger Neerland. Her 4 sons; Rick, Mike, Mark, and Todd Kraner. 5 grandchildren; Clorie Marie, Joshua Michael, Nicole Anne, Erica Ellen, and Leslie Marie. 4 great grandchildren; Fischer Allen, Kennedy Ann, Logan James, and Atari Scott. And many nieces, and nephews."",