Donna Lee Wensel (Rietel) passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at sunset, surrounded by her loving family and holding the hands of her devoted husband.

Donna was born on June 28, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Kenneth and Faye Rietel. She grew up in Greenwood, Indiana and attended Indiana University, where she studied to become a special-education teacher. It was there that she went on a blind date and fell in love with her husband of over 57 years, Gene Wensel.

Donna and Gene were married on December 21, 1968 and soon moved to Hamilton, Montana, where they built their life together and raised their three children, Jennifer, Amy and Ken. In 1989, they moved to their favorite home on Mitchell Slough just north of Bell Crossing in Stevensville.

Donna spent many years working as a real estate agent in the Bitterroot Valley. She loved her community and the many people she met throughout her career. In 2000, Donna and Gene moved to rural Iowa, where they spent 19 wonderful years together. They were drawn to the area by their love of the outdoors and, of course, the promise of bigger deer! They returned to Hamilton in 2018 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Some of Donna’s favorite things in life were going on lunch dates and shopping with her closest friends, attending church, and most of all, being with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Da.” Her family brought her tremendous joy and she cherished every moment shared with them.

Donna was a woman of strong faith and her love for God was an important part of her life. She carried that faith with her until the very end.

In the last years of her life, Donna faced frontotemporal dementia. Through it all, she remained deeply loved surrounded by the family and friends who meant so much to her.

Donna will be remembered for her love, kindness, strength and devotion to her family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love that will live on through her children, grandchildren and all those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Rietel, mother Faye Rietel and sister Sandy Alexander (Rietel).

Donna is survived by her loving husband of over 57 years, Gene, her children Jenny (Kent Hussell), Amy (Therrien) and Ken (Kiley), grandchildren Jacob (Ashli and Aria), Haleigh, Drew, Danner, Beauden, River and Avery. In-laws David Alexander (Sandy), Barry and Susan Wensel. Nieces and nephews Michael, Jeff, Matt, Stacey, Jason, Laurel and Brad, as well as numerous other extended family members.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held next summer. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

The family would like to thank her caregivers at Arron Care in Corvallis, especially Nancy, Zuri and Becky for the love and care they showed her these last years. The family would also like tothank Bitterroot Health Hospital and Bitterroot Health Hospice for their care during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in her name to the Ravalli County Council on Aging or the Bitterroot Humane Society.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.