DONNA WESTHOFF
August 21, 2025
Donna P. Westhoff, 96, of LaGrange, Mo., died August 13, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill.
Donna was born on December 25, 1928, to John Daniel Ilgenfritz and Cecile Mae Eaves Ilgenfritz in Galesburg, Ill. She married Wallace Omar Westhoff on April 25, 1952, at the Christian Church in LaGrange, Mo., after which they embarked upon a life of farming together which lasted over 50 years. Wallace preceded her in death on March 27, 2010.
Survivors include her children, Judge Fred (Reggie) Westhoff of Maywood, Mo., Cecilia Patra (Dennis) Robertson of Peoria, Ill., Susan Kling of LaGrange, Mo., Dr. Rebecca (Scott) Yale of Ouray, Colo.; grandchildren, Geoff (Katherine) Westhoff, Greg Westhoff, Ben (Margarita) Westhoff, Autumn Westhoff, Elizabeth (Cory) Hynek, Candice Robertson, Abigail (Taylor) Klaus, Jonathan (Amber) Robertson, Daniel (Marisa) Kling, Meagan Kling, Cassie (Joey Palmer) Kling , Ethan Kling, Samantha (Jeff) Newell, Caleb Yale; great grandchildren, Elle, Xavier and Christian Westhoff, Emma, Pacey and Nolan Westhoff, Mila and Benjamin Westhoff, Quinton, Violet and Theo Hynek, Hannah and Isaiah Farraher, Cora and Celeste Klaus, Henry, Louis and Mae Robertson, Carson and Camden Kling, Lillian and Ella Bowyer, Will Dewaard, Elijah and Noah Newell; brothers, George Ilgenfritz of St. Louis, Mo., Frank Ilgenfritz of Linn Creek, Mo., sister, Joanne (Bill) Feger-Cauthen of Phoenix, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and seven brothers and sisters.
Donna’s life was a testament to her love for God. She was a devoted mother and wife, whose dedication to her family was as steadfast as her commitment to farm life. Her home was not just a place of warmth and comfort but also a haven where laughter was always present, and every day was greeted with positivity.
A great cook, Donna made the best fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade donuts, pies, and cobblers. These dishes were not just food but a continuation of traditions, with recipes passed down through generations.
Donna enjoyed reading her Bible, providing a source of strength and courage, while her collection of Christian books, love stories and historical biographies provided her with endless hours of enjoyment. She also loved to watch movies which included such favorites as “The Man from Snowy River” and “The Notebook”.
Music and laughter were ever-present in Donna’s life. She loved to listen to music and sing along. She had a keen sense of style, with an impressive collection of clothes, shoes, costume jewelry, and especially hats, each piece a reflection of her vibrant personality.
Donna and her family were very active in 4-H, Grange and Farm Bureau. Donna was a long-time member of the La Grange chapter of PEO’s. She loved her PEO sisters and always enjoyed spending time with them.
Donna cherished time spent vacationing with Wallace and her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In their later years, the winter months found her and Wallace in the warmth of Florida or Texas, a well-deserved get away from their busy farm life. A dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan, she followed her team with enthusiasm.
In every sense, Donna was kind, compassionate and faith filled. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Donna’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the unwavering belief that every day is a cherished gift from God.
Visitation was held August 16, 2025, followed by a service celebrating Donna’s life at the Davis Funeral Home in LaGrange, Mo. Pastor Scott Yale officiated Pallbearers: Donna’s grandchildren.
Burial was at Riverview Cemetery in LaGrange, Mo.
Arrangements; Davis Funeral Home in La Grange, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse and Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch in Shelbina, Mo.
Donna was born on December 25, 1928, to John Daniel Ilgenfritz and Cecile Mae Eaves Ilgenfritz in Galesburg, Ill. She married Wallace Omar Westhoff on April 25, 1952, at the Christian Church in LaGrange, Mo., after which they embarked upon a life of farming together which lasted over 50 years. Wallace preceded her in death on March 27, 2010.
Survivors include her children, Judge Fred (Reggie) Westhoff of Maywood, Mo., Cecilia Patra (Dennis) Robertson of Peoria, Ill., Susan Kling of LaGrange, Mo., Dr. Rebecca (Scott) Yale of Ouray, Colo.; grandchildren, Geoff (Katherine) Westhoff, Greg Westhoff, Ben (Margarita) Westhoff, Autumn Westhoff, Elizabeth (Cory) Hynek, Candice Robertson, Abigail (Taylor) Klaus, Jonathan (Amber) Robertson, Daniel (Marisa) Kling, Meagan Kling, Cassie (Joey Palmer) Kling , Ethan Kling, Samantha (Jeff) Newell, Caleb Yale; great grandchildren, Elle, Xavier and Christian Westhoff, Emma, Pacey and Nolan Westhoff, Mila and Benjamin Westhoff, Quinton, Violet and Theo Hynek, Hannah and Isaiah Farraher, Cora and Celeste Klaus, Henry, Louis and Mae Robertson, Carson and Camden Kling, Lillian and Ella Bowyer, Will Dewaard, Elijah and Noah Newell; brothers, George Ilgenfritz of St. Louis, Mo., Frank Ilgenfritz of Linn Creek, Mo., sister, Joanne (Bill) Feger-Cauthen of Phoenix, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and seven brothers and sisters.
Donna’s life was a testament to her love for God. She was a devoted mother and wife, whose dedication to her family was as steadfast as her commitment to farm life. Her home was not just a place of warmth and comfort but also a haven where laughter was always present, and every day was greeted with positivity.
A great cook, Donna made the best fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade donuts, pies, and cobblers. These dishes were not just food but a continuation of traditions, with recipes passed down through generations.
Donna enjoyed reading her Bible, providing a source of strength and courage, while her collection of Christian books, love stories and historical biographies provided her with endless hours of enjoyment. She also loved to watch movies which included such favorites as “The Man from Snowy River” and “The Notebook”.
Music and laughter were ever-present in Donna’s life. She loved to listen to music and sing along. She had a keen sense of style, with an impressive collection of clothes, shoes, costume jewelry, and especially hats, each piece a reflection of her vibrant personality.
Donna and her family were very active in 4-H, Grange and Farm Bureau. Donna was a long-time member of the La Grange chapter of PEO’s. She loved her PEO sisters and always enjoyed spending time with them.
Donna cherished time spent vacationing with Wallace and her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In their later years, the winter months found her and Wallace in the warmth of Florida or Texas, a well-deserved get away from their busy farm life. A dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan, she followed her team with enthusiasm.
In every sense, Donna was kind, compassionate and faith filled. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Donna’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the unwavering belief that every day is a cherished gift from God.
Visitation was held August 16, 2025, followed by a service celebrating Donna’s life at the Davis Funeral Home in LaGrange, Mo. Pastor Scott Yale officiated Pallbearers: Donna’s grandchildren.
Burial was at Riverview Cemetery in LaGrange, Mo.
Arrangements; Davis Funeral Home in La Grange, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse and Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch in Shelbina, Mo.
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