Donna Jean (Burianek) Hillgren, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 73.
Donna was born in Crete, NE to James and Mildred (Pomajzl) Burianek on Feb. 23, 1951, and raised near Wilber. After graduating from District 4 Country School in the eighth grade, she then attended Wilber High School and eventually completed her GED. She and Lyle Kouba were married and settled in Crete where they raised three children. Donna worked at Formfit, Stovers and Square D in Lincoln, before working 38 years with Farmland. After retirement, she worked briefly at Crete School Cafeteria.
Years later, Donna found her best friend and love, Duane Hillgren in 1999 and they were happily married in 2006, making their home in Crete. Donna and Duane’s home was very often a gathering place for family and friends enjoying Husker football games, celebrating family events and socializing.
Throughout the years, Donna was happiest when gardening, growing flowers, cooking, baking, canning and reading. Donna had a lifelong love of traveling, especially rides in the country with Duane and her beloved dog, Tango. She was known as the family taxi driver, always willing to drive family and friends to their various appointments. Donna found joy in sunny days, hummingbirds and spending time with her family.
Donna was always the one to call for guidance, advice or simply a listening ear. Her loving presence was a comfort to many and family and friends will forever remember her sweet dimples and beautiful smile.
She is survived by husband, Duane; children, Terry and Jennifer Kouba of Morriston, Florida, Pamela (Kouba) and Dean Frerichs of Seward, Jesse Kouba of Timberlake, North Carolina, Lacy (Hillgren) and Dan Stattler of Lincoln, and Eric and Katie Hillgren of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Brendan and April Osborne their children Owen and Noah; Brock Osborne, Kaitlyn Morris and her children Kali, Brendan, and Luna, Kody and Codi Kouba and their children Landon and Oliver, Taylor Kouba, Kalee Stattler and her son Camden, Gavin and Jordan Stattler, and Lincoln Hillgren; sister, Darlene and Lumir Novak and family; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Dorthy Hagemeier, Diane Rosenau, Dennis and Don Burianek and infant twins.
The funeral service was April 4. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
