Donna Pietz, age 83, of Huron, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Avantara in Huron surrounded by loved ones. Her Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Monday, July 31, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Huron. A private family burial will be held at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron. Visitation, with the family present, will be from 3-5 P.M., on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron.

Donna Mae Schnabel was born January 27, 1940, in Parkston, SD to Edwin D. and Elta (Vetter) Schnabel.

She grew up on a farm in rural Tripp and graduated in 1958 from Tripp High School where she was involved in many activities especially band and choir. She attended Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell.

Donna married Milo Pietz on March 2, 1959 at Friedens Reformed Church in Tripp.

Donna taught piano lessons for more than 40 years to students in Tripp, Gregory and Huron. She played for many weddings, funerals and other events over the years. She started her 25-year insurance career with Royal Neighbors and then Modern Woodmen, retiring at age 73. She truly loved her clients and they were very loyal to her. She was smart, fun and professional and always lived the Golden Rule. She earned many trips for her efforts.

An active member of First Presbyterian Church, she was involved with the choir, Presbyterian Women/Circle, Meals on Wheels, funeral worker, led the children's music, bell choir, youth club cook and served as an Elder. In the community she served as a hospice volunteer, Chamber ambassador, Concert Association board member, Music Club and President of SD Fraternal Congress.

As Milo's best fishing partner, they enjoyed 20 years at their trailer at Bob's Resort on the Missouri River. They enjoyed annual trips to Branson for Christmas shows, as well as trips to Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany and France.

Donna was the family glue who organized frequent family gatherings. She rarely missed any child or grandchild's activities. She shared her love of music with her grandchildren sitting them on her lap at the piano from a young age. As they got older, a highlight of the grandchildren's summer was vacation with Grandma & Grandpa – to the Black Hills, Omaha Zoo and many adventures in Sioux Falls. She also cherished the time spent with the Wednesday night church choir crew.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Milo, children Russell (Ginger)Pietz of Aberdeen; Marcia (Joel) Solie of Morgan, MN; Brian (Michelle) Pietz of Lester Prairie, MN; Brenda (Tony) Arteman, Huron; grandchildren Jason (Samantha) Heiling, Laura (Chris) Zimmer, Marcus (Alexis) Heiling, Mallory (Kyle) Verdoes, Matthew Pietz, Bailey, Abigail and Rylie Pietz, Emily and Andrew Arteman. step-granddaughter Taylor (John) Frericks; great grandchildren Harvey and Paxton Heiling, Ellianna, Jay and Cal Zimmer, Maverick and Evelyn Heiling, Keaton and Kade Verdoes and Owen Frericks.

She is also survived by her siblings Daniel (Jan) Schnabel, Dorothy (Merv) Larson, and Doug (Linda) Schnabel and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Elta Schnabel and her in-laws Charley and Mathilda Pietz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or First Presbyterian Church in Huron.