Langfeldt,

from p. 1

“After he died, I felt kind of lost. I didn’t have him to take care of and my kids were all grown up and moved away,” said Donna.

Upon the encouragement of a good friend, Donna decided to get more involved in the community to help her move forward and find purpose in this new season of life.

“I started going back to (Legion) Auxiliary meetings,” said Donna.

During COVID, she and fellow Auxiliary members volunteered their time to revamp the Legion building, which was in need of attention. They deep-cleaned the building from top to bottom and repainted the interior.

“There was a group of us that was in there every day and we got it into shape again,” said Donna.

She also volunteered at the American Red Cross blood drives at the Legion for “a number of years,” checking on donors and providing them sandwiches and snacks. She regularly waitressed for Legion events and continues to help in the kitchen. She also has served as membership chairperson, chaplain and now historian for the Legion Auxiilary.

In addition, she and her husband were charter members of the Loyal Area Historical Society. She served as secretary for a number of years and has been president for the last four-plus years. She leads tours of the museum, helps get the property ready for events like the annual “Home for Christmas” and keeps the public informed of what’s happening at the museum. She also collects and organizes donations to the museum. She coordinated the one-room schoolhouse replica project, which was finished in 2022.

“I don’t do things alone. There’s gotta be helpers. I have so many helpers I can call on when I need something,” said Donna. “It was a wonderful thing to have all the community support. The town came together to support this schoolhouse project like you wouldn’t believe.”

In addition, Donna serves as the secretary of the Loyal Housing Authority for the Thomas Street Apartments, which went through major renovations last year. She also helps out at St. Anthony Church, taking care of the linens and singing in the choir for funerals.

Donna was taken completely by surprise to receive the Citizen of the Year award, and felt honored because of how much the community means to her.

“I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe it,” said Donna. “I’m truly blessed by this town, my family and the people in my life.”

Donna joins her husband in being honored, as he received Citizen of the Year in 1988.

Donna and Herb had four children: Michael, who now lives in Crete, Neb.; Michelle of Neenah; Margie of Oostburg; and Mandi of Stockbridge. Donna also has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Donna will receive an honored spot in this year’s Corn Festival parade.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTOS