Donna Marie Whiteaker

Donna Marie Whiteaker, 83, of Leavenworth, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 2, 1940, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the daughter of Louis and Frances (Herken) Danzebrink. She graduated from Easton High School in 1958.

Donna ran a daycare out of her home for many years and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Leavenworth.

She met Steven L. Whiteaker while they were both working for Hallmark in Leavenworth, Kansas. They were married November 30, 1968 at St. Lawrence Church in Easton, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 12, 2017.

Survivors include daughters, Laurie Whiteaker (Sanjay Bhamoo) and Mandy (William “Bill”) Cavalieri; and two grandchildren, Amanda (Matt) Thomas and Anthony Cavalieri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, baby daughter Michelle Lee Whiteaker, and brother, Leo Danzebrink.

Donna had a big smile that could light up a room. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved socializing and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed shopping, craft fairs and searching for bargains at garage sales. Donna was an avid reader and could usually be found gardening, caring for her flowers, watching KU basketball, driving countryside roads to view the autumn leaves, traveling, dining out, and visiting the casino slot machines.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Dove Cremations & Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas where the family will receive friends until the Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. Donna's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service. Interment will follow at Corpus Christi Catholic Cemetery, Atchison, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66604.

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