Archived Services

Donna Oberlander
03-30-2008

Donna Oberlander, 108 years old, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community in Sioux Falls. Donna was born on May 16, 1899 to Joseph and Alice (McMahon) Scallan in West Union Iowa. In 1915, her family moved to Sioux Falls and she attended Washington High School graduating in 1917. She attended St. Mary of the Woods College in Terra Haute, Indiana where she received a gold medal in music. Donna was united in marriage to Ben Oberlander on August 8, 1923 in Sioux Falls. Donna was very active in music all of her life. She taught piano in her home for many years. She also was an avid bridge player. She was an accompanist for the Lowell Schools Mothers Chorus and was active in the Community Concert series for many years. Donna was a charter member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a member of the Convent Guild, Knife and Fork, Rotary Anns and the Women's Club. Donna is survived by two daughters: Jean (Henry) Lajewski, Arlington, VA and Louise (John) Poliseno, Little Falls, MN; a daughter-in-law: Jody Oberlander, Sioux Falls, SD; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her husband: Ben in 1971, son: Dick in 2004; an infant son: Bernard Joseph that died at birth; and her sister: Kathryn in 2003, and her granddaughter: Susan McMichael in 2003. Visitation will be Wednesday at 4 PM with family present from 5 to 8 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, 2 PM at the chapel at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery.