Donna Fae ( Godfrey) Van Kooten was born March 12, 1930 on the family farm east of Long Island, Kansas. She was the third daughter to Albert and Alma (Volgamore) Godfrey. Growing up on the farm with her 4 siblings held many adventures. Like the time her dad traveled to sell cows. He had not yet arrived home at milking time. Sally (the family milk cow) would only allow Albert to milk her. However, Donna Fae liked a challenge. So, she dressed in her dad’s clothes and headed out to milk Sally. The first sniff from Sally gave Donna Fae confidence and false hope. The second sniff sent Donna Fae flying through the air and secured that only Albert would be milking her. That did not deter Donna Fae from her love of animals throughout her life. Donna Fae also loved playing her accordion until the one fateful day when younger sister, Eileen hid under Donna Fae’s bed. When Donna Fae sat down to indulge herself, Eileen grabbed Donna Fae’s ankle. It scared Donna Fae so badly that she screamed and tore her beloved accordion in two. With 5 children in a span of 10 years, living in a 2 bedroom house, there was never a dull moment.
In her high school years Duane Van Kooten caught her eye. Since Duane was out of school when Donna Fae was in her junior and senior year, she and Duane conspired to meet secretly in the Long Island High School boiler room for many a secret rendezvous. That is, until the superintendent of schools discovered their little love nest. Donna Fae commented that he never really liked her much. After she graduated from high school, she went to work in Holdrege, Nebraska, where she lived with her sister, Betty and husband Darrell Talbert. While a lover of animals, Donna Fae hated rodents! When she saw a mouse in the bathroom, she immediately summoned her brother-in-law to come home and save her from the vermin. His reward was for the mouse to crawl up his pant leg.
Shortly after, Donna Fae returned to Phillips County, KS where she would complete her certificate to begin a long career in education. Her first teaching job found her in rural Almena, KS living with a family she had never met before. As per the duties of a teacher in those days, she would get up early, walk the long distance to school school each day. Along with the teaching responsibilities of a multi age group of scholars, she was also responsible for all custodial duties which included building the fire during the cold days in order to keep her students comfortable. The second year of teaching was much more enjoyable. She moved in with a different family with whom she remained in contact throughout their lives.
Duane returned from the Navy and they were married in November of 1949. They would move to Hays, KS in order for Donna Fae to complete her teaching degree. While there she also worked in a small cafe as a waitress. Donna Fae was a loving and devoted wife. Once she threw a surprise birthday party for her husband. It was such a good surprise, he never showed up! Upon completion of her college degree they moved to the farm in Phillips County where she would live her entire married life. While being married she cherished the delicious Sunday lunches at her in laws home. Duane and Donna Fae were members of the Luctor Christian Reformed Church of Long Island, KS.
Donna Fae taught in several school districts; rural schools in both Almena and Long Island KS, Speed, KS, Kensington, KS, Huntley, NE, Republican City, NE, and she ended her career teaching for 14 years in the Northern Valley Schools. She retired in 1994.
Although she and Duane never had children of their own, they loved entertaining their many nieces and nephews on the farm for many years. When Duane passed away on April 1, 2000, Donna Fae lived part time in Alma, NE and part time on the farm while she adjusted to living alone. She would later return to the farm and her beloved animals full time.
Many have fond memories of her exquisite fashion style, others her stellar teaching practices, while others will cherish her zeal for life. Donna Fae was known for her delicious cinnamon rolls and other baked goods. She was not afraid to voice her opinion, find a good time, or create fun wherever she was. Most importantly she will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and her ability to make you feel as if you were the most important person in her life.
She leaves to mourn her best friend and companion, Callie, brother's-in-law Charles Gebhard of rural Phillipsburg and Duane Townsend of Council Bluffs, IA, along with a plethora of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, good neighbors and a host of friends.
Donna Fae went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 4, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. Those waiting to welcome her home include her husband, her parents, siblings Betty and Darrel Talbert, Helen Townsend, Robert and Ila Godfrey, and Grace Eileen Gebhard, along with many other loved relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday April 10, 2024 at the Luctor Christian Reformed Church. The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will follow in the Long Island Cemetery, Long Island, KS.
Mrs. Van Kooten will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services.