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The family of Donna L. Ragatz uploaded a photo
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
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K posted a condolence
Friday, January 4, 2008
On Donna's first anniversary many of her friends came together for lunch. It would have been another Friday if it weren't for the date. A date that will always be remembered. Although we didn't dwell on why we were together we all needed to be. As another friend stated Donna would have been happy we were together,laughing. Many of our friendships formed and strengthened because of her. Of course we dined at a Mexican Restaurant. We miss her so much!
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Jennifer (Dabberdt) Margolis posted a condolence
Monday, June 25, 2007
To Donna's family:
I'm sorry that I only recently learned of Donna's passing. We went to high school and college together and joined the same sorority. Donna was always such a strong and positive influence on others and I have so many wonderful memories of her. I can't begin to imagine how much she will be missed. My heart goes out to her family.
Jennifer (Dabberdt) Margolis
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Jenifer Baker Vanek posted a condolence
Monday, February 5, 2007
Bill,
I was deepely saddened to hear of Donna's death. Charlie & I are very sorry for your profound loss. We haven't seen each other or spoken in years, but this news has brought memories flooding back. Every one of them with Donna and with you brings a smile. We hope that these messages bring some small comfort to you.
Very sincerely yours,
Jen Baker Vanek & Charlie Vanek
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Heather & Wes LeMasurier posted a condolence
Monday, January 15, 2007
Of course I intended to say
Dear Diane and Ed
Love Heather
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Heather & Wes LeMasurier posted a condolence
Monday, January 15, 2007
Dear Donna & Ed
Wes & I were very shocked and saddened when we read in the Camera of your daughter's passing.
Our prayers for you do not go unheard by our Lord. He will comfort and sustain you at this truly sad time.
Lovingly Heather & Wes LeMasurier
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Kristin (Utter) Merkle posted a condolence
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Bill, I was saddened to hear about Donna's passing. I always remember Donna's positive energy and huge smile as I was adjusting to life as a Cyclone swimmer. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her. I came across a card after my mom died that I think was helpful during a difficult time.
Remembrances:
We can't feel saddened over the loss of those we love without first remembering the joy of loving them. The real saddness would have been never having had them in our lives at all. Remembering is a journey the heart takes, back into a time that was, and our thoughts are the only tickets needed to ride. We who have truly loved are blessed. Remember everything. Please know that you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. Donna is an angel watching over you all.
Kristin Merkle
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Beth Cendali posted a condolence
Sunday, January 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to all who loved and cherished Donna. She touched many because of her positive nature and happy self! I have wonderful memories from swimming and HS, Donna smiling and laughing in all! To Bill, Jeffery, and Ali find strength and comfort in the momory of her smile for always.
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Amy Davis Frederick posted a condolence
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Dear Bill, Ed, Diane, Jeff, and Bill, My parents shared with me yesterday the passing of Donna and I am truly so sad. I know Jill and Jennie Taylor went to visit Donna and I am so happy they had time together. With so many of our original neighborhood in Boulder intact, you can understand the loss of one is a loss to us all. I kept up with Donna through Rozene Taylor and my own parents. I know she was a wonderful woman because she was a wonderful girl. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you. Bill, as her husband, I wish you well. Amy Davis Frederick
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Ramsey and Linda Van Horn posted a condolence
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Donna Braun Ragatz
We came to know Donna when I recruited her athletic talents for the Iowa State Swimming and Diving team. Little did I/we realize the total package that we would eventually receive. From the moment she stepped onto the Iowa State campus, we all became blessed through our interactions. Donna was a wonderful, warm, genuine, and engaging person. She brought out the very best in people, improving and enhancing everything that she touched and was involved in. Few people can match her contributions to humanity, or to the team of people she centered her life around. She was always willing to lend her talents to the betterment of the team and willing to do whatever was necessary for success. Not surprising that one of the greatest Big 8 Championships meets, was under her watch.
Never one to complain about her situation or the role that she was needed to fill, she was always willing to add her voice or actions to improve the situation for all of her team members. She cared for everyone as a person, no matter their talent level. Always the encourager, she raised the spirits and performance of all of those who�s lives she touched. No matter what was asked of her, she always delivered her best. Her principles were her life and her guiding force, a strong indicator of the quality of her upbringing and the type of parents that raised her. She loved life, always being found centered in the middle of what was going on. She valued education and learning. She was a talented and hardworking student earning many Conference and Iowa State distinctions for her academic prowess.
Eventually she and Bill found each other, and we were able to attend their wedding in Colorado. Two specially designed people ready made for each other. We were so happy that two deserving people had found each other. They were made for each other. Kindred spirits from the same mold. A match for life made better by being made for one another. Because of distance and geography, we never had the opportunity to get to know Jeffrey and Ali, but knowing their mother, they are the most loved and precious children in the world.
We are all blessed by having known Donna, and having her touch our lives. Her memory will live in each of us far beyond her passing, and we are better for having had the opportunity to have known her. She lives on now through Bill and the children, and through our interaction with them. She was too powerful an impact to be simply gone. We carry the things that she stood for inside us and because of Donna we can change the world for the better.
Her physical presence in our daily lives will be sadly missed.
Ramsey, Linda, Lydia and Graham Van Horn
Former Iowa State Women�s Swimming Coach
(1979-August 29, 1997)
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Beth Shorrock posted a condolence
Friday, January 12, 2007
Bill
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth (BI Colleague & friend)
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Jeanie Hughes posted a condolence
Friday, January 12, 2007
Donna was my cousin. Even though we didn't really grow up knowing each other I always knew about her, her family, her wedding and her children through my Aunt Diane and Uncle Ed Braun. Donna was an admirable lady, and to lose her to cancer was a painful and surreal experience for the entire family. We do not know the reasons certain things happen yet we continue to gain strenght through our faith that God knows all the answers even when things don't feel fair. We continue to ask God's blessings and strength on Bill, the children, the Brauns, and the Ragatz family. All our love always, and we wish we could be together at this time. Jeanie, Richard and Hughes family
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Lynn Leary posted a condolence
Thursday, January 11, 2007
I only met Donna when she was trying to regain her strength after her cancer surgery. I was with my husband Mark who died that week. All day long she would walk those hallways trying to get that body working again. She would stop and talk and I could see that she was someone very special. My heartfelt sympathy to the Ragatz and Braun families. Truly heaven has accepted a beautiful and wonderful angel. You are all in my prayers. God bless you all, Lynn Leary
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Sarah (Chambers) Chisholm posted a condolence
Thursday, January 11, 2007
To Donna's Family-
Please know your hearts are in my prayers. I swam with (at least in the same pool as) Donna in H.S. She was a good friend at the time and always an inspiration in and out of the pool.
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Kris (Lauer) Hennecke posted a condolence
Thursday, January 11, 2007
I, too, knew Donna in jr. high and high school and was on the swim team for Fairview. I remember a terrific laugh, a fierce competitor in the pool and an easy going attitude outside the pool. Bill, Jeffrey and Ali along with the Braun and Ragatz families remain in my prayers for strength and comfort during this time. God Bless!
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Lili and Steve Schroppe posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
We met Donna and Bill at Duke, shortly after they (and we) were married, where Bill and Steve went to business school together. After two fun years together in North Carolina, we knew we'd found lifelong friends. Imagine our happiness when they called one day from PA to say Bill was taking a job in our part of CT! Our friendship evolved and changed to match our life stage, as Donna and I were now stay-at-home moms. She showed me the ropes and always had wise words to help me keep it all in perspective. And she never disappointed Steve in the kitchen. She never failed to serve his favorites: wings, ribs, baked beans with bacon and a wonderful dessert. She always had TONS of cookies at Christmas, and a sweet gift, along with kind words and a loving hug, for our kids. She is my role model as a wife and mother. She is a true inspiration. - Lili
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Dick Davis and Theresa Szczurek posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
We are very sad to hear of Donna's death. I always remember her friendly manner and the way she helped me in taking care of my house when I lived in the neighborhood. Now that I have my own daughter, I know how precious they are and how difficult it would be to say goodbye.
Blessings to Donna and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
RAD
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Tara (Payne) Wood posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
I had the pleasure to be Donna's locker partner and dear swimming pal for many very fun years in junior high and high school. I am so lucky to have had her friendship in my life, and to have reconnected a few times recently when she was here to visit her parents. My heart is aching for Bill and her darling children, the Braun and the Ragatz families; I hope you know that you are in the prayers and thoughts of many Fairview alumns and Boulder friends. I will always remember her sense of humor, her determination and her kind and warm spirit.
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Don and Arlene Hill posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
We want to express our deepest sympathy at the shocking news published in our local newspaper today (Jan 9). We are so sorry to hear that Donna suffered with cancer and passed away at such an early age. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Don and Arlene Hill
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Kristen, Miss you lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Allison, Missing and loving you lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Ronna, with much love lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Georgia & Woody Garnsey lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Will, Liz, Ellie & Lyle Pemble lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Cathy Shaw lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Arleen Vetter -God Bless lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Kappus Family, God Bless lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Mom and Dad With Love lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Nicklas Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Dackow Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Karen Palumbo lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Brookfield Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Phyllis from Butte, MT lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Magistrale Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Carolyn Giacomini lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Heather & Wes LeMasurier lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The McDonald Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Lonergan Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Connor Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Bob & Crystal Garland lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Thompson Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Carrizzos lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Scott, Jessica, and Kendall Christensen lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Joshi Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Cheryl Koeber of Ann's Place lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Beth Dippo Cendali and Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Anne and Raj lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Kannan Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Chris and Diane Brown lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Tom, Kirsten, Will & Alex lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Tina Gross (Robbins) lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Liz & Erik Christensen lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Karen and Mike Gunther lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Sharon and Del Nelson lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Beth Shorrock lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Tom and Karen Ragatz lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Jane and Dan MacRae lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Linda and Ramsey Van Horn lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Chuck Collins lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Jay Garvey lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Cousins Janis, Brian and Matthew lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Tickner Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Stone-Morrison family, with all our love lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Jonathan, Robbie and Lynn Leary lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Lisa Kuehn lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Stone-Morrison family, with all our love lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Jenny, Dave, Mac and Grace with love lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Schroppe Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Kim (Brekke) Gescheidler lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Don and Carolyn Emmerson lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Cavaliere Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Kim (Farris) Peck w/ love & rememberance lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Dick Davis & Theresa Szczurek lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Stankiewicz Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Poplardo Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Cousin Tom, Barbara & Katie lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Jenni Keitges lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Aunt Debbie & Uncle Ken lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Kristen and Catherine lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Don & Arlene Hill lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Le Hanson Newton ~ God Bless lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Allison, God Bless You lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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John & Beverly O'Grady lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Kris Lauer lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Karen Dragani lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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Amanda lit a candle
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The FLynn Family lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Lynn Family,Rest in Peace lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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The Bellino Family, God Bless You lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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God Bless You lit a candle
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Cornell Memorial Home lit a candle
Thursday, January 4, 2007
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