Misko, Donna Joy 1933-2014

MISKO, PETERSON, FILLMORE, KEETON, BERRY, ADAMS, MARQUETTE, CASTLE, MERRITT, MARTIN, STEWART, MARENGO, SMALLIE, BRENNEMAN, ZIMMER, HUETTENNAIN, HORST

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/14/2014 at 07:41:04

Donna Joy Misko 1933 - 2014

Donna Joy Misko was born December 14, 1933 in Newton, Iowa. Her loving parents, Opal and Clarence Peterson were expecting her on Christmas Day, but in traditional Donna Joy fashion, she arrived early. Welcoming her home were her siblings, Carolyn and Victor. The family lived together in Iowa until the sudden and tragic death of Opal when Donna Joy was only three years old.

Upon the passing of Opal, Clarence enlisted in the army at the age of 41 and the children were separated. Donna and Carolyn moved to Strathmore, CA to live with Opal's sister and her husband, Dr. and Mrs. Fillmore, who were affectionately known as Auntie Florence and Papa. Victor went to live with Opal's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keeton.

Auntie Florence and Doctor Fillmore had a daughter, Carol and a son, David. In addition, they frequently took in additional children who needed a good home. While living in Strathmore, they regularly attended both the Presbyterian and Nazarene Churches and were very involved with Youth For Christ.

Music was an important part of the Fillmore home. With Auntie Florence's instruction on the piano and organ, it was not long before Donna was able to accompany her. Donna also had a wonderful singing voice and enjoyed performing for family and friends. Her love for music would never fade as she sang and played both piano and organ throughout her life.

Donna attended both grammar and high school in Strathmore, but spent her last year of high school in Lindsay. After graduating from high school, Donna Joy took a few college classes and later began attending beauty school.

Donna and William Berry were married for six years. Donna moved to Fresno with her family which now included her three children, Donna Lynn, William Kurtis, and Wayne Allen. She later returned to the Porterville area and continued to attend beauty school classes in Visalia.

Several years later, Donna met Fred Adams. Donna and Fred were married for 12 years and had two children, David Fredric and Denise Marie. In 1977, Donna married Walt Misko and her family grew even larger. Not only was Donna a loving mother and grandmother, she also became a step mother to Walt's four children, Bob, Rick, John, and Doloris. Walt and Donna were married for 26 years, until his passing in 2004. Donna always described Walt as the love of her life. Donna and Walt loved to travel and spent many vacations abroad. They traveled to Mexico, Sweden, France, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Alaska, Hawaii, and many trips throughout the continental United States.

After marrying Walter, Donna Joy traveled back to Iowa. She was accompanied by her Aunt Jean and while there, she visited the Peterson farm. It was important for her to see the home where her parents and grandparents had lived and raised their families. As a momento, Donna brought home the farm's old red hand pump. Not surprisingly, it sat next to her on the train ride back to California and has had its place in every home in which Donna Joy has lived.

Donna was very active in the community and participated in several local service clubs, including The Porterville Chamber of Commerce, SETCO, The Navy League, The Zonta Club, as well as volunteering for the local Republican Ladies group. Donna owned and operated The Glamour House Beauty Salon until her retirement at age 70.

Donna was a member of The Church of Nazarene in Porterville and always said her favorite prayer was the Swedish prayer her father taught her as a child. She recited it for the family every Christmas . "I Jesu Namn Till Bords Vi Ga Valsigna Gud Den Mat Vifa. Gud Till Ara, Oss Till Gagn Sa Fa Vi Mat I Jesu Namn."

In Donna's 80 years, she was loved by many and touched so many lives with her love, laughter, and friendship. She was a mother, step mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who will be missed each and every day.

Donna's family was large and included 5 children, 4 step-children, 24 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends who are also considered family.
Donna's oldest daughter, Donna Marquette is married to Bruce Marquette. They live in Lindsay, CA and have two daughters. Their oldest daughter, Michele Marquette lives in Porterville, CA. Their younger daughter, Kimberly Castle, is married to Jason Castle. They live in Porterville, CA. They have two children, Kailyn and Ethan.

Donna's son Kurt Berry lives in Pauls Valley, OK. He has two daughters. Misti Berry, who has three children, Jay Dee, Derek James, and Katana. Misti and her children are in Heaven. Kurt's youngest daughter, Amber Berry, lives in Oklahoma City, OK.

Donna's son Wayne Berry is married to Donna Lee Berry and they live in Lindsay, CA and have two daughters. Their oldest daughter, Shannon Berry lives in Weatherford, TX. Their younger daughter, Nicole Merritt is married to Joseph Merritt. They reside in Springville, CA and they have two daughters, Brynn and Layne, and another baby due in October.

Donna's son David Adams is married to Monika Adams and they live in Visalia, CA. David has three children. Kyle Adams lives in Merced, CA. Alicia Adams lives in Porterville, CA. Mariana Adams lives in Visalia.

Donna's daughter Denise Martin is married to Tim Martin and they live in Sterling, AK. They have four children. Denise's daughter, Janelle Martin, has one son, River and resides in Sterling, AK. Denise's oldest son, Brentton Martin as well as her two younger sons, Bryce and Bradi, all reside in Sterling, AK.
Donna's step-children were very important to her.

Walt's oldest son, Bob Misko, resides in Florida and has five children; Stacey, Tim, Morgon, Cameron, and Taylor. Rick Misko, lives in Sonora, CA and has two sons, Mathew and David. John Misko and his wife Connie live in Springville, CA and John has one son, Josh and two step-children Nicole and Anthony. Duaine Hudson is serving in the US Army and has two children, Kate-Lynn and Braydon. Donna has one additional step-son with Fred Adams. Bob Adams lives in Chico, CA.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Donna is also survived by her two sisters Carolyn Horst and Carol Hakeem , her brother, David Fillmore; her Aunt, Jean Stewart, her five nieces, Renee Marengo and Lisa Smallie, Susie Brenneman, Vicky Peterson-Zimmer, and Kelly Peterson-Huettennain, her four nephews, John Horst, David Horst, Mark Horst, and Daniel Horst.

Services for Donna Misko will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. Graveside services will begin at 10:30 am at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately afterward at The Church Of the Nazarene in Porterville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Published in The Porterville Recorder on Sept. 10, 2014.

Print | View Guest Book |
View 62 Records for D Misko at Ancestry.com .
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/recorderonline/obituary.aspx?n=donna-joy-misko&pid=172407810&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.qPa36biu.dpuf