Donna Overberg

Obituary

Donna Overberg, age 68, of McMunn, Manitoba, passed away following her long battle with cancer, surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Kenton von Riesen; daughter Zoe von Riesen (Kyle); sisters Linda Overberg (Jack) and Susan Malkoske; brother George Davis(Heather); in-laws, nieces, nephews, and her best friend, Chato, the bulldog.

She was predeceased by her parents, Odd and Mary Overberg; brother, Karsten; mother-in-law, Margaret Friesen; and many cherished pets.

Born June 9, 1956, Donna was the second daughter of three, born to Odd and Mary Overberg. Growing up in Rennie, MB., with her parents and sisters is where she learned to love simple country life. She attended school in Whitemouth, MB., where she made a number of life-long friends, and later completed her high school diploma at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School.

She met her “old man” Kenton in the spring of 1974, when he spent the summer working in Rennie, but it wasn’t until they met again in Steinbach that they hit it off. They enjoyed 46 years together, at first in Steinbach and later settling in McMunn; their country sanctuary.

For 23 years she was a beloved employee at Penner Foods and IGA. Customers would flock from far and wide to see her, and refuse to be served by anyone other than Donna, the chicken lady! She made people feel special because she was always willing to take extra time to get to know each customer personally. She also made many friends working at Biovail.

Donna was an animal lover who always had a few dogs and cats to hug. Her biggest comfort during her illness was her bulldog, Chato, who gave her purpose, loyalty, and love. She was an avid curler and bowler at certain points in her life, playing in ladies leagues in Steinbach and Ste. Anne. She looked forward to camping at FolkFest every summer, partly to enjoy the music, but also to meet new people. Little Donna was even a security guard for the campground a few times!

Donna was a loving mom to her daughter, Zoe. She selflessly gave her time driving her to dance classes, soccer practices, and friends houses. She let her make her own decisions and many mistakes, but she always trusted she would be okay. She personified a perpetual safe space and unconditional love.

Donna was a free-spirit who was often found without socks and shoes, and sitting on the floor despite easily accessible chairs. She danced to the beat of her own drum, and boy did she dance! You could always rely on her to get the dance floor hopping, although it didn’t bother her if she were the lone dancer out there. She was an artistic person who enjoyed a wide variety of music. She was also talented at painting and sketching, although very private and humble about her creative expressions.

In the last decade or so, she became a rabid CFL fan and wouldn’t miss a bomber game if she could help it. She would support her team by wearing her Blue Bomber jersey or hat for every game. She often dreamed of traveling the world, and was able to visit Mexico and Florida. Most notably, she was able to travel to Norway to visit her father’s hometown and meet otherwise distant relatives.

Although her many years of illness prevented more travel, she was very happy living in the beautiful natural solitude of McMunn. In her last few years, it brought her great joy to watch the birds and squirrels that she fed. She even somehow unexpectedly developed a green thumb and kept some plants alive!

Donna was kind, gentle, and selfless in her relationships. Everywhere she went and everyone she met, she found ways to make a connection and have a positive impact. There was no better person to open up to. She was empathetic, encouraging, and a great confidante. If you told her something, it went in “the vault”. We often joked that she could be a politician with her way of avoiding direct questions if the answer would offend anyone. No matter what, no one was allowed to leave her presence without a hug!

Donna, Mom, our world won’t be the same without you! Your memory will live on in our hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Curtis Krahn and the whole team at CancerCare Steinbach. Your kindness and levity kept Donna going during tough chemo days and hard conversations.

A celebration of life will be held on November 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Reynolds Community Club (Prawda Hall) in Prawda, MB. If possible, RSVP to Zoe at 204-355-8180. All are welcome.

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