Donna J. Flammang Janssen

Donna (Fish) Flammang Janssen, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, in McCook, Nebraska, at Hillcrest Nursing Home. After spending a blessed Thanksgiving with nearly seventy members of her family, she suffered a stroke the next day. She passed into the loving arms of Jesus surrounded by love and all six of her children.

Donna was born at home near Elwood, Gosper County, Nebraska, to Walter Frederick (Fred) and Anna Olive (Leggott) Fish on January 22, 1933. She was raised in a Christian home and had a wonderful childhood. At the age of 2, her family moved to Oxford, Nebraska, where her family ran a farm implement business. She attended Oxford Public School, graduating in May of 1950, and lived in Oxford until her marriage to Vincent John Flammang on May 29, 1950.

Donna and Vince made their home southwest of Cambridge, where they worked the family farm together and welcomed six children to their marriage. Donna was a devoted wife and mother and is survived by her children Michael Lynn Flammang (Monica), Victra Lee Dilsaver (Tom), Debra Kay Burke (Tim), Frederick Scott Flammang (Renee), Cynthia Sue McKillip (Tim), and Jennifer Ann Huxoll (Shayne). Donna was a scout leader, 4-H leader, junior choir leader, Sunday School teacher, MYF group leader, and a Bible School teacher—all while parenting six children. Many memories were made during thirty-five years of marriage, until Vince’s untimely death in a farming accident in March of 1985.

Donna was blessed to find love and companionship again when she met Bruno Harm Janssen, who she married in 1993. Bruno, a bachelor until he met Donna, quickly adjusted to having more than twenty grandchildren (at that time)! Donna and Bruno made their home in Arapahoe and embarked on many travels and adventures together, enjoying thirteen wonderful years of marriage before Bruno’s death in March of 2006.

Donna took great pride in her children and grandchildren and is survived by an incredible legacy of twenty-one grandchildren, forty-one great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren—seventy in all! She led by example and taught her entire family the value of faith, family, community, hard work and service to others.

For her own spiritual growth, Donna was a fifty-year member of the United Methodist Church, and a thirty-two-year member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was active in choir, bell choir, adult Sunday School, and various Women’s Circles. She also contributed to her community through service in the East Valley Extension Club, and the Alpha Omicron sorority—a philanthropic organization dedicated to building St. Jude’s Research Hospital and making it free of charge for all children. Donna also ministered to others with her heartfelt smile and kind words—in particular, touching many lives during her work as a nurse’s aide at Cambridge Hospital. She also loved birds and animals, being followed home by many a critter in her lifetime. Donna considered everyone a friend and made everyone around her feel seen and valued.

Donna brought joy and creativity into the world through her many talents in music, art and sewing. In 1994, Donna joined the Sweet Adelines, and she proudly traveled with the group to Washington, D.C. to perform at the dedication of the World War II Memorial. She loved her time with the Sweet Adelines, and it only came to an end in 2012 when it became difficult for her to perform the choreography she enjoyed so much. Donna also participated in the “6 & 34” Band as a bass drummer, performing for parades and events across Nebraska. Donna passed her love of music on to her children and grandchildren, who continue to bring joy to the world with their many musical talents. In terms of her artwork, Donna mastered oil painting, ceramics, and China painting, creating hundreds of pieces that she shared with her children, grandchildren, friends and the community. And Donna’s ability to turn a stitch was unmatched, sewing hundreds of outfits, dresses and gowns for her sons’ and daughters’ events and weddings.

Donna was also blessed to have many wonderful friendships in her life. After losing Bruno, she moved to Prairie Pines in Arapahoe, Nebraska, and she spoke fondly of many friends and memories—laughing, going out to eat and playing chicken foot and bingo.

Donna lived a full life, with Jesus Christ as her Lord, Savior and guiding light. She loved unconditionally with her whole heart, and she was dearly loved. We believe heaven is rejoicing mightily to welcome her home, and that she’s added her voice to the heavenly choir.

Donna is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Doris Moeller and Laura Lee Corder, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Frederick and Anna Olive (Leggott) Fish; two husbands, Vincent Flammang and Bruno Janssen; three brothers and sisters-in-laws, Dale and Beulah Fish, Wayne and Bonnie Fish, and Paul and Doris Fish; and many other loved ones too numerous to mention.