Donna Anwiler – Bowman Funeral Directors

Donna (Deal) Anwiler, Aug. 9, 1926 – Jan. 19, 2020, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boise, Idaho, with family at her side. Donna, 93, was born in Keewatin and graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine. She married her first husband, Bill Anwiler, on March 9, 1946, and they had five children: Kathy, Jerry, Barbara, Judy, and Billy. She and Bill operated a successful dairy farm together, first near Deer Lake and later for many years on Highway 46 north of Deer River. Donna was a longtime member of the Deer River Methodist Church and was a 4H leader for 18 years. She spent the past 40 years living in the western United States, spending time being with Family, and Friends, dancing, and fishing. For 27 years she and her current husband, George “Geo” Patterson traveled and had many adventures together.
Donna was the very definition of the Greatest Generation. She approached every difficulty with cheerfulness and practicality, and was always sweet and had a smile. Donna never gossiped and never said a bad word about anyone. When she gave her opinion, it was always insightful. Donna was a person of strong faith, believed in the power of prayer, and lived by the Golden Rule. Her family was the center of her life.
Born into a musical family, Donna loved to sing and play the guitar. She also had a passion for tap dancing and performed for a wide number of audiences. Donna loved Guy Lombardo’s rendition of the song, “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think).” She made many friends through dancing and playing cards.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Alma; former husband, Bill; two brothers, Douglas and Keith; and her son, Jerry. She is survived by daughters Kathy, Barb, Judy, son Billy, and her brother, Duane. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great, great grand child. They all loved her dearly, and will miss playing cards with her and listening to her stories and wisdom. Services for Donna will be held Jan. 27, 2020 at 12:00 pm at Bowman Funeral Parlor located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. Boise, Idaho. Condolences may be left at www.bowmanfuneral.com.

Condolences(9)

Rolaine Winkle says
January 24, 2020 at 5:16 pm

I married into the family in 1967. Donna was a great mother in law to me and grandmother to my children. Throughout the years time spent with Donna were very memorable because of her love and kindness. She lived life with happiness and the love of God. I am grateful to have shared that with her.
Heidi Anwiler says
January 25, 2020 at 7:05 am

My Grandma Donna was a fun and unique lady. My best memories of her were when she visited northern Minnesota during my childhood. She would play baseball with us, talked about her travel adventures and passion for dancing, showed us her super cool creams and cosmetics, and taught us to play card games. She always had a smile, was full of wisdom and youthful vitality, and had a great laugh. She was an inspiration to me as a young girl and living proof that age is nothing but a number. I will always cherish those memories.
- REPLY
  Linda Kahr says
  January 27, 2020 at 4:28 pm
  
  We were blessed to spend many winters with Donna. She brighten our days with her positive upbeat and joyful attitude. She was wise and kind. I am a better person having known Donna She continues to guide and inspire me to be more like her. Thinking of always puts a smile on my face.
Brent Ditto says
January 25, 2020 at 8:30 pm

I met Donna in October 1978 on her dairy farm in Deer River, Minnesota. We hit it off immediately, she loved to cook and I loved to eat! We would talk politics since we both shared similar views. I especially loved her stories about growing up as a teenager during World War II. I was her son in law for 19 years and her friend for life. She was a great person and I will miss her.
Lori Hoard says
January 25, 2020 at 10:00 pm

Donna immediately became part of my family 27 years ago when she met my father-in-law Geo, and she has been a very special part of our lives ever since. When my husband died, she and Geo came to stay for a month, helping me to find a new “normal” with my 5 little ones. She offered practical help and advice and much needed encouragement. Her help was inestimable. She and Geo would visit us twice and year, and we looked forward to every visit. For years and years, the kids would visit them in their trailer EVERY morning for waffles and to play cards, then in the afternoons would return to play more cards. Great memories! Each visit she would update me on all her children, grandchildren, and siblings. They were her most treasured gifts, and though I’ve personally only met a couple of them, I feel I know each of them through her. Thank you, Donna, for being such a blessing in our lives. You will be sorely missed, but we look forward to seeing you again.
Ryan Hoard says
January 27, 2020 at 2:14 am

The best Grandma someone could ask for.
As kids we would always look forward to Grandma and Grandpa’s arrival in their trailer. We’d sit at the window at the expected time waiting for that behemoth of a rig to roll in. As a kid it just seems SOO big. They’d roll it in front of the house and we’d be running out the door to greet them. The time spent with them during those times in in that trailer will never be forgotten. “Helping” grandpa set up the trailer and imminently after, asking Grandma if she wanted to play cards. Cribbage was one of my favorite games to play with her but I know she liked to play Rummy with me. We played ALL of the cards games over the years. We were given immensely great moments during those visits. I miss them. She was the sweetest lady you’ll ever meet. Look forward to seeing you again.
I love you Grandma,
Ryan
Judy Roesbery says
January 27, 2020 at 7:02 am

Donna was my neighbor who became my friend at Willowbrook. She was wise, loving and funny; classy and cool; a strong woman who was a feminist before it had a name. I always looked forward to Saturday morning coffee hour so I could visit with Donna and Geo. She loved her family, and Geo’s family was hers as well. I’m going to miss her dearly.
Carla Hopkins says
January 27, 2020 at 2:43 pm

What a radiant picture of a beautiful lady. My fondest memory of Donna is her endearing laugh. Donna was an avid and the best 4H Leader. She provided opportunities to many youth in the community. I loved the hay rides, roller skating and being able to be a “star” in the one act plays. Donna also gave me a friend whom I will never forget. I would love to reconnect Judy. Your mother is irreplaceable and will be in your heart and thoughts daily. Embrace her love and memories.
God’s blessings
Deb Noethe (Waydula-Anwiler) says
February 8, 2020 at 4:06 pm

So sorry for the loss of your mother. I remember Aunt Donna on the farm as the hardest working, lovely woman. She always had a kind word and a smile to offer. She was welcoming to all that entered her home. I didn’t get to see her as I got older, but remember her playing her guitar and accordion for us. Singing away. When she was not in the kitchen cooking for her family and farm hands. I will always have fond memories of her. She was one of a kind. Bless her beautiful heart.

Donna Anwiler August 9, 1926 - January 19, 2020

Condolences(9)

Rolaine Winkle says

Heidi Anwiler says

Linda Kahr says

Brent Ditto says

Lori Hoard says

Ryan Hoard says

Judy Roesbery says

Carla Hopkins says

Deb Noethe (Waydula-Anwiler) says

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