On Thursday, March 21, 2019, Donna L. Viren, loving wife, and mother of four children, passed away in Billings, MT, at the age of 88.
Donna was born on April 24, 1930, in Grand Rapids, MN, to Lee and Dina Feero of Jacobson, MN. She graduated valedictorian of Hill City High School in 1948. She attended three years of Bible training at Northwestern Bible College in St. Paul, MN. She then graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Duluth, MN, in 1954. On May 27, 1955, she married Edward Viren, Jr., and raised three sons, Edward, Robert, Daniel, and one daughter, Deena.
Donna was a remarkable woman who managed a demanding career, raised a family, and fulfilled her responsibilities as the wife of a pastor/missionary with remarkable ability, grace, energy, and hospitality. She was happiest when she was spending time with husband Ed and family.
She was famous for her delicious homemade breads and soups, and – to the delight of her kids and her nieces – her cartwheels. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially swimming, camping, and picnics. Her most passionate hobbies were spinning wool on her spinning wheel and knitting beautiful sweaters, socks, and other garments for her family.
She was an inspiration to many, always ready with a smile, a sparkle, a word of encouragement, a listening ear, and unconditional love. She was resilient, resourceful, and calm. Following the example of Christ, she poured out her life in the service of others. Through her faith and trust in God, she always had enough love in her heart and food on the table for those God brought to her door.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Dina Feero; sister Irene Duncan; brothers Lee and Robert Feero; nephew Kurt Duncan; brothers-in-law John Viren, Loren Borg, and Frank Duncan; and sister-in-law Marie Feero.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Ed; children Bud (Janis) of Billings, MT, Bob (Leslie) of Sheridan, WY, Deena Keil (Jeff) of Willmar, MN, and Dan (Julie) of Grand Marais, MN; grandchildren Matt (Angel), Brad, Kirk, Lee, Ahna, Jack, Kevin, and Kylie; great-grandchildren Pierce, Johnathan, Gunnar, and Alexandra; brother Emery (Elaine) Feero and sister Mariette (Larry) Seiffert; sister-in-law Marilyn Feero, Helen Borg, and Janice Viren; many nephews and nieces; as well as honorary son and daughter, Harvey and Helen Yesno, and honorary grandchildren Harvey John, Sheldon, Rachel, and Adam Yesno of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Thursday, March 28, at 2 p.m. at Billings Vineyard Church in Billings, MT, with Allen Hodges officiating.
Condolences and memorials may be sent to the family at 2632 Ranchette Rd., Billings, MT 59105. Memorials may be designated to Mount Rose Community Church or Blessed Children’s Home in Nepal.
Leave a Reply