DONNER, Bernice

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Bernice Rauschke Donner passed away May 7, 2012, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. She was born on Nov. 13, 1915, in Renville County, Minn., to August E. and Gretchen (Stern) Rauschke. Bernice was baptized at their farm home by Pastor Albrecht. Bernice attended rural school in Renville County. She graduated from Renville High School and then went on to graduate from Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, Minn. She was employed at the State Highway Department and Military Department in St. Paul, Minn. (1943-1948). Bernice also worked at the Minnesota Regional Treatment Center in Willmar, Minn., as office manager (1948-1958). Bernice married Orland Donner in May of 1952 at Zion Lutheran in Olivia, Minn. They moved to Mesa, Ariz. (Sunland Village) in 1977. Bernice was a founding member of the auxiliary services at the Valley Lutheran Hospital in Mesa. She was also a member of the National Society of Medical Secretaries. The Donners moved to Prescott Valley, Ariz., in 1986, where they joined the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and a sister. She is survived by her sister Elaine Hallett of Prescott Valley; two stepdaughters, Gwen Ruchti and Vicky Gerdes of Minnesota; many nieces and nephews; and one great-nephew, Logan Petersen. A memorial service for Bernice will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3300 N. Navajo Drive, Prescott Valley. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunrise Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Information provided by survivors.