Donna J. Irwin

Lincoln — Donna Jean Irwin, 86, of Lincoln, formerly of Ainsworth, died Monday, April 28, 2025 at Cedar Creek of High Plains Assisted Living in Lincoln.

Visitation was held Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the church in Ainsworth. Pastor Lynn Christensen officiated.

Graveside services were held Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of the arrangements.

Donna was born July 15, 1938 to John and Bessie (Keeler) Nekolite in O'Neill. She attended St. Mary's Academy in O'Neill before moving with her mother to Bassett. 

Donna met Paul Irwin while roller skating in Long Pine. The couple later married on June 22, 1957 in Pierce. To this union one daughter was born Paula.  

Later she became the bookkeeper for Irwin Pontiac, Buick and GMC. She was also a baker at the Red & White Market.  

Donna retired in 2015. When Paul got sick with congestive heart failure she became his primary care giver.

She was a member of the Ainsworth VFW, Auxiliary, Zion Lutheran Church and the Ainsworth City Planning Commission.

Donna enjoyed crocheting, Nebraska football and her cats. She enjoyed race cars and had a love for Buicks. 

Donna is survived by her daughter Paula (Todd) Naber of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandchildren Trista (Richard) Kramer of Lincoln and Taylor (Amanda Wilson) Naber of Parkston, SD; four great-grandchildren Mackenzie Kramer, Colby Kramer, Karlyn Kramer and Rhys Kramer; one sister-in-law Vernona Nekolite of O'Neill; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Bessie Nekolite, her husband Paul Irwin in 2017, two brothers David (Cheryl) Nekolite and Danny Nekolite and her favorite cat Buttons.