Donna Lynn Hunt

May 25, 1947 - January 16, 2020

Donna Lynn Klingelhoefer was born to Miriam and Arnold Klingelhoefer on May 25, 1947. She grew up in Mascoutah, Illinois and lived right across the street from her cousin and best friend, Joni Kloeckner. During her early teen years she was diagnosed with scoliosis, which eventually led her to need surgery to help support her back. That experience gave her the desire to be a nurse, but it also limited her ability to be nurse, so she gave some of her time to helping others in one of the local hospitals. She changed her focus to become a teacher and attended 2 years of college to work toward that goal. Life stepped in, as it sometimes does, and sent her down a different path that led her to work at the phone company where she was employed in the office, assisting the lineman with scheduling and mapping. While at the phone company, she eventually transferred to the Knoxville office. Donna attended the First United Methodist Church, in Knoxville, and enjoyed singing in the choir. That is where she met Richard Hunt. After a couple of years dating, they married in October of 1984. Moving to the farm was a big change for Donna. She loved having pets and helping take care of the animals, but didn’t love being outdoors much. She especially disliked spiders. Since it was an older farm house, she had plenty of opportunity to work on her dislike. Becoming step mom to two teenagers was a challenge at times, but Donna’s strength, patience and kindness served her well in this regard. Both Erick and Kelley grew to love and appreciate Donna, and she loved Erick and Kelley as well. Donna enjoyed traveling with Richard. They visited Alaska twice and some of the western states multiple times. These trips usually involved being out in the wilderness viewing beautiful scenery and trying to see wild animals. Donna enjoyed murder mysteries, and if you knew her, she really enjoyed mysteries where cats were the main character. Donna enjoyed cross stitch and made many treasured gifts for people. Donna was a member of PEO for many years and was active in her sorority. She helped elementary children with reading and math. After Donna retired from Farm & Home, Richard was diagnosed with cancer. Through all of the treatments and hospital stays over the years he was sick, Donna was right there by his side. She was always faithful, loyal and loving to Richard during their almost 32 years of marriage together. Donna was diagnosed with dementia not long after Richard passed away. She stayed on the farm until she was not able to care for herself any longer. The neighbors did a great job looking after Donna, which allowed her to stay in her home as long as she could. She moved into the Homestead memory care facility in Knoxville where she stayed for a little more than a year. Then she moved to Edencrest in Beaverdale, so she could be closer to Erick. Donna passed away January 16, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hunt of Knoxville; her parents, Miriam and Arnold Klingelhoefer of Mascoutah, Illinois and aunts: Lucina Beatty of Mascoutah, Illinois, Irene Swader and Betty Christ. She is survived by her step children, Kelley Hunt of Santa Rosa, California, Erick and Kim Hunt and their children: Brian, Brittany, Brenna and Brandon of Waukee, Iowa; cousins: Joni Kloeckner, Judy Dunning, Eugene Klingelhoefer and Shirley Davidson and other friends and loved ones who will miss her. A Funeral service for Donna Hunt, age 72 of Knoxville, will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Lincoln Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.