Donna Reese

Donna Jean Reese was born Feb. 17, 1933, in Pringle, S.D., to George W. Barnes and Catherine (Rice) Barnes.  
Jean went to school in Pringle and Custer, S.D., and played the clarinet in the Custer school band.
In 1951 Jean married John Krausert, who was in the U.S. Air Force and they had four children, Diana, Debbie, Donna and David. After raising them on her own for many years, she married Gene Reese of Custer in 1976 and they were happily married until his death in 1998. They had many adventures traveling the world and RVing and Jean loved her annual mother/daughter trips. She enjoyed card games and dominoes. She was a member of the Eastern Star.
Jean was a wonderful mother and loved all her family dearly. She played piano and was a skilled artist in oils and acrylics.  Her works of art are cherished by members of the family.
Jean passed away peacefully April 10, 2024, in Hot Springs, S.D. She was 91.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents; sisters, Joan Bernal and Jessie Vidger; her brother, David Barnes and his three children, Ricky, Micky and Vicky; son, David Krausert; grandson, Billy Eisenbraun; and special friend, Donald Kelly of Wall, SD
Jean is survived by her daughters, Diana (Steve) Owen, Debbie Krausert, and Donna (Alvin) Crown; stepchildren, Dan (Mary) Reese and Diane (Dave) Scott; numerous nieces,  nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services were  held April 16 at the Custer Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Custer Community Church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Masonic Lodge #66 A.F. & A.M. in Custer.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.