Donna Marie Koerner was born in Elk Creek, Nebraska on August 31, 1939, to Ted and Nora (Michaelis) Koerner. Donna joined older brothers Leonard and Floyd.  Brother Kenny would be born a few years later. As a young girl, Donna attended elementary school in Elk Creek. When she was 14 years old her family moved to Lincoln NE where she attended high school.

In 1957 she met Air Force Staff Sargent Karl Gerstenschlager at the Tastee Drive In where he was working a second job as a car hop. They were married 6 months later on October 20, 1957. The following year, while living at base housing known as "Huskerville", Carmen was born and Karl Theodore followed soon after.

Karl was soon discharged from the Air Force and the family moved to Pulaski, New York where Bambi Lynn was born. Another move brought the family back to Nebraska and Michelle Lee joined the family.

It wasn't long until the family moved to Palmyra where Donna, Karl and the family lived for many years. Their lives were filled with horses, rodeos, horse shows, and 4-H. Donna also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and crafts. Karl and Donna were founding members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

After Karl passed away in 1988, Donna lived in Crete, Glenrock, Wyoming and then back to Lincoln, Nebraska. With each location she was very involved in various community groups and activities. The last few years Donna has lived at Orchard Park.

She is survived by daughter Carmen and her husband Kevin, son Karl Theodore and wife Vicky. Granddaughters Natasha Gerstenschlager (Ryan Simpon), Jenna Anders (Josh) Grandsons Tyler Sterner (Courtney) Ryan Sterner (Katy), Patrick Gerstenschlager (Ashley) and Theodore Gerstenschlager (Lupe), also great grandchildren Ava and Hannah Simpson, Masie, Tucker and Calvin Anders, Jackson and Elana Gerstenschlager, Hudson and Penelope Gerstenschlager, Archer Sterner and soon to be baby girl Sterner. Donna is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Kenny and Arlyce Koerner and ex daughter-in-law Cheryl as well as many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by husband Karl, daughters Bambi Lynn and Michele Lee, parents Ted and Nora Koerner and two brothers Leonard and Floyd, sisters-in-law Carol and Beverly, niece Sheila Koerner, nephew Neil Cary as well as parent-in-laws Charles and Marie Gerstenschlager.

Memorials are suggested to Beautiful Savior Church, 955 C St., Palmyra, NE 68418 or Chi health at home - hospice, 245 S 84th St #300, Lincoln, NE 68505.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Palmyra, NE. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, NE.