Donna Ruth (Nelson) Quinn was born August 2, 1933 in Lebanon, SD – daughter of Karl and Neva (Zuber) Nelson.


Donna grew up in Lebanon – the youngest of 6 kids. Her father died when she was 4 and Neva raised 6 children as a single mom. Donna stayed with her Grandpa and Grandma Zuber while she finished school, graduating in 1951 from Lebanon High School. Neva had married George Staben of Milesville, SD in 1949. Donna was introduced to Jack Quinn by his sister Elizabeth.


Donna married John (Jack) Quinn on June 22, 1955 in Philip, SD. Jack passed away on December 17, 2007. After marrying Jack, Donna became a lifelong member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Milesville, SD.


Donna was a Religion teacher and member of the Altar Society at St Mary’s. She loved to play cards (especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren), board games and putting together puzzles. She was a great cook/baker, canner, seamstress and crocheter – we are grateful to have so many items that she made for us – clothes, quilts, hot pads, blankets and many more items. She also loved her iPad for reading the Pioneer Review and Rapid City Journal online, Facebook, conversing with relatives, taking pictures to send to us and of course, doing Wordle every day.

Grateful to have shared her life are Pat Quinn (Carla) of Centennial, CO, and their children Chris, Lindsay, Deena and Joe Quinn; Janelle Smith (Mike Bolte) of Papillion, NE and her daughter Missy (Colin) Nelson and their children John, Michael and Charlotte; Kathy (Rick) Borkovec (both deceased) and their children Adam Borkovec and Amber (Jake) Seidel and their children Jack and Evie; Lori Bierwagen (Kevin) of Sioux Falls, and their children Elliot Bierwagen and Alyssa (Jordan) Nielsen; Tim Quinn (Lori) of Milesville, SD, their children Josh (Jerri) Quinn and their children Roderick and Davis, and Kelton Quinn; Brady Quinn (John) of Ridgefield, CT; Anna (Joel) Harsma whom Mom considered to be like another daughter; Karen Carley who visited Mom, cut her hair, and supported our family during Mom’s later years. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews.


Donna was preceded in death by her husband Jack in 2007, son Joseph Quinn in 1978, daughter/son-in-law Kathy and Rick Borkovec in 2020 and 2021; her parents Karl and Neva (George Staben), brothers Doug Nelson, Irl (Billie) Nelson, sisters Betty (Bob) Wright, Maretta (Don) Westberg and Margie (Wilbert) Heck. Donna was the final living person out of Mom and Dad’s siblings and in-laws.

Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 with a Christian Funeral Vigil at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Christian Funeral Committal will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial will be established.