Dona L. Fahnestock
Dona L. Fahnestock, age 73, died of complications with lung cancer on November 30, 2020 in Wichita, KS.
Dona is survived by her son Eric Fahnestock, his wife Kerry, and their children Eli and Avery Fahnestock and Heather Burrow. She is also survived by her nephew Brett Schuermann, her brother Allen “Corky” Schuermann, Jr. of Stillwater, OK, her sister Kay Alvis of Cortez, CO, and her longtime partner Al Page. Dona is preceded in death by her parents, Allen Schuermann, Sr. and Madeline Jenicek, as well as her brother John Schuermann.
Dona was born on January 7, 1947 in Denver, CO and graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 1965 and from Wichita State University in 1969.
There is no question that Dona’s greatest passion in life was her family. She gave her entire life to the well-being and success of her son Eric and to her grandchildren, Eli and Avery Fahnestock. Even up until the last days, you would find Dona attending one of the high school football, basketball, and baseball games. And she never missed a tennis match of Eric’s when he was growing up either. If there is a definition of a Mom in the dictionary, Dona’s picture would be one of those shown on the page. The sacrifice and love that she showed throughout her life cannot be outdone. Dona will be greatly missed by all who got a chance to know her.
There will not be plans for a funeral at the present time due to Covid. If plans are made for one later, details will be sent individually or through social media. Cremation services will be performed by Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Flowers and cards may be sent to the home of Eric and Kerry Fahnestock at 15168 E. Sundance Ct., Wichita, KS 67230.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Central and Western Kansas) or to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Condolences may be left on the Downing & Lahey website or on Eric’s or Dona’s Facebook pages.
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Bob and I want to extend our deepest sympathy and pray for your Family in this difficult time.
I will miss this old friend, since jr. high, but hold the memories dear. Sincerely, Vicki Leland
I always knew Dona as Kay’s big sister. She would dutifully drop us off at Curtis Jr. High before heading to Southeast, hoping no one saw us in the back seat of her VW bug. My heartfelt sympathies go to her family. Ann Poppe
Dona will be missed by all. She was one of the kindest people I ever knew. She loved life , she was always honest and of course adored her son and her grandkids. She welcome1 me to town when I returned and reminded me there was only one team to root for Go Shockers! Yes she was as loyal as they get. The world needs more kind and beautiful people like Dona! God keep her family safe !
Rest In pease Donna. As a long time friend, Donna was a kind, generous soul, and a loving mother. May the lord comfort Eric and his family during this difficult time. Larry Stevens
Knew Dona all thru Curtis and Southeast. Knew Her even better through all the reunions and the organization that she did. Just came across a video of our 20th reunion. She and some other girls were sneaking cigarettes in the girls gym . It was classic. She was a good woman. I am many others will miss her.
We got reacquainted at the 40th Southeast High reunion and kept in touch regularly through FB and Messager. It was quite a shock to hear of her passing as we shared messages just recently. Our thoughts and prayers to her family and friends. Jim and Robin Adams
Eric: I am sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was one of a kind. I was honored to serve with her on the Southeast High School Reunion Committee for many years until I moved from Wichita to Arizona. Her leadership will b missed. May she rest in peace. Charlie Reeves
Regardless of dementia or other physical issues Dona always greeted you with a big smile and a special hello… we admired and appreciated her friendship…pain and sorrow created by her death is shared at your house
Dona was one of the kindest most gracious women I’ve ever known. She’ll be missed DeeAnne
Eric and Dona’s other family members, Dona is in my high school class, and we have been friends since then. I always enjoyed running into her on occasion, and then working with the 55-yr. reunion committee recently. She was the leader, of course. That effort stalled because of COVID; then I learned of her illness. I’m very sad about her passing and hope you are finding comfort from her memory. She was a smart, determined and resilient person. Best wishes, Guy McCormick