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Donna Jean (Anderson) Autenrieth, age 81 of Blair, passed away May 16, 2026, at her home in Blair, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held Friday May 22, 2026, at 1:00PM at First United Methodist Church in Blair. Visitation will be held prior to services beginning at 12:00PM at the church. Graveside services will be held at Forrest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha following the funeral service.

Donna was born on July 12, 1944, in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of Don and Marian Anderson. She was raised in the Benson area and graduated from Benson High School. After high school she went on to college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning a degree in physical education and home economics. During her time at UNO she met her future husband Robert Autenrieth, the couple were married on December 17, 1966, at Benson Presbyterian Church in Omaha. Donna taught school at Morton Junior High School in Omaha. She later left her teaching career to start her family.

The family made their home in Blair in 1975 where they raised their children. Donna was a longtime employee of Hartland Family Dentistry in Blair as a dental assistant. Donna lived a very active lifestyle, bowling, tennis, golfing, softball and pickleball. She taught tennis through the years for Metro Community College sharing her love of the game with others.

Donna and Bob were longtime members of First United Methodist Church in Blair.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Bob, son Andy Autenrieth, daughter Jill (Matt) Johnson, grandchildren Kalvin Rosterman, William and Marshal Butkus, sisters in law; Linda, Janet and Pat Autenrieth, Karen Eaton and Helen Fall, nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Dorothy Day and her cousin Carol Sondreal.

Donna had requested that those in attendance of the funeral should wear their favorite sports attire. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society in Donna's name.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home in service to the family.

#2 abbreviated obituary printed in the May 19, 2026 Omaha World-Herald (photo)

In Loving Memory of Donna A. Autenrieth

Born July 12, 1944 Omaha, Nebraska ~ Entered Into Rest May 16, 2026 Blair, Nebraska

Funeral Service 1pm Friday, May 22, 2026 First United Methodist Church, Blair, Nebraska. Clergy: Rev. Dr. Doug Griger. Musical Selections: "How Great Thou Art", "The Wind Beneath My Wings", "The Lord's Prayer", "Forever in Blue Jeans"

Pallbearers: Travis Radnor, Curt Rolland, Jeff Smith, Roger Lorsch, Keith Matzen, Chad Reihler

Honorary Pallbearers: Kay Spidle, Laurie Nelson, Vicki Shanahan, Lois Jensen, Linda Combs, Cora Thelen, Sharlene Kuhr

Graveside Service Forest Lawn Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska

Memorials may be designated to the American Cancer Society in Donna's name.

~~~from obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Nebraska Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library at Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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