Donna Mae Bester, age 69, of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by family in her home on Friday, June 16, 2023.
A celebration of life honoring Donna will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 6 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 3 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Donna’s memory by the family. The family encourages guests to wear her favorite colors of purple or blue!
It was on December 28, 1953, a feisty, strong willed and determined Donna Mae graced this world. Born in Shakopee, MN, she was the second of eight children of Donald and Lucille (Gregory) Schommer. Donna grew up in Prior Lake, where she graduated in 1970.
Life was enriched for Donna meeting a young man, William “Bill” Bester at a Mahoney party. This evening was the beginning of an amazing love story. Donna and Bill married on September 22, 1972, at St. Michael Catholic Church, in Prior Lake. The next 50 years were filled with raising their children Jeremy, Jeff, and Nicole. As the children grew, Donna was always their biggest cheerleader and supporter. She rarely missed any of their sporting or school events. Donna was even awarded the Loudest Cheering Parent Award and she wore her jacket proudly four-years in a row.
Donna’s biggest accomplishment was becoming a grandma to Alexa, Ryley, Dalton, Ryder, and Harper. She was extremely proud of who they had become and what they had accomplished along the way. It did not matter about the event or the distance to travel, Donna was certain to be on the sidelines cheering them on! The only exception for her missing an event or activity was if it fell on a night to play Bingo. These five grandchildren were her world and brought Donna so much joy!
Donna was a committed friend. As a young gal, she loved playing softball with her girlfriends. These friendships expanded over the next 40 plus years. They spent countless hours playing cards, bowling, and watching their families grow. For nearly 45 years, Donna worked for BlueCross BlueSheild as administrative assistant. She loved her work and relished the friendship of her colleagues. Donna was always reliable, hardworking, and dependable. Within all these friendships, she became the go-to person for the latest news or gossip!
A simple person, Donna loved shopping and playing Bingo. But it was being around family and friends that she loved and enjoyed the most. Donna loved socializing and was a straight shooter. You knew where you stood with her. Donna was honest, strong, and loved each one unconditionally.
Donna’s legacy will continue to live on in those she loved the most husband, Bill; children, Jeremy (Kerrie) Bester, Jeff Bester, Nicole Bester; grandchildren, Alexa (fiancé Jack), Ryley (fiancée Taynian), Dalton, Ryder, Harper; siblings, Leroy (Renee) Schommer, Larry (Jill) Schommer, Dianne Grundmeyer, Debbie (Duane) Borchardt, Lyle (Doris) Schommer, Lloyd (Julie) Schommer, Linden (Karen) Schommer; countless nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Greeting Donna home in Heaven is her grandson, Sebastian; parents, Don and Lucille; and brother-in-law, Jim Grundmeyer.
