Donna Mae Jerred

A memorial service for Donna will be Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at High Plains Community Church, 3101 W. Lakeway Rd., Gillette, WY 82718 with Pastor Dan Morgan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials and condolences may be sent to Westview Health Care Center, 1990 W. Loucks Street, Sheridan, Wyoming, 82801.

Donna Mae Jerred 87, of Gillette, died Tuesday, October 29, 2024. She was surrounded by the dedicated nurses and staff of Westview Health Care Center in Sheridan, Wyoming as well as longtime friend Karlen Feagan.

Donna Mae was born May 19, 1937, to Theodore and Ann (Lupka) Mikkelson in a chicken coop in Lebanon, South Dakota. After graduating she worked at various jobs including for her parent’s business the Wonder Inn and Ann’s Motel also Jones Drug and the assisted living center in Gettysburg, SD.

Donna Mae married the love of her life Clayton O. Jerred and together with their son Ted began a journey on the road, living and working in numerous towns along the way, while Clayton was working road construction. Upon settling in Gillette, Wyoming in 1966 she started Donna’s Second Hand Store which she enjoyed until joining Clayton in Real Estate in 1977. She had a very successful career spanning 47 years, earning the nickname “Diamond Donna”. Donna Mae never quit the profession and was proud to have completed her on-line continued education and was a licensed Realtor at the time of her death. She received numerous awards for Top Producer and achieved Emeritus Status for her dedicated service to the association and profession for over 40 years.

Donna Mae belonged to several civic organizations and enjoyed getting “gussied up” for any occasion with a big ‘ole gaudy ring, big hat and a signature flower in her hair. If there was a parade, she was always in it. Even recruiting her grandson as an honorary member of the Red Hat Society to take part in the parade festivities. Donna Mae was a proud Rotarian, taking pride in service above self. She was a lifelong Lutheran and was devoted to the Missouri Synod denomination. She loved a good road trip, especially traveling with Clayton, Ted and Tracy to NHRA drag racing events across the country. Along the way, she perfected her unique talent: spotting any K-Mart from miles and miles away. Donna Mae also enjoyed following her grandson in sports and loved watching him play football and hockey. Later she could be seen in the bleachers watching Derrek as an on-ice official with nachos in hand, hot chocolate while wearing a fur coat. She was often caught snoozing in the stands even though she said she was watching with one eye open.

Donna Mae had sales in her soul, and her personal touches were legendary. She never missed a chance to ABC—Always Be Closing. As many know, her signature move was attaching her business card to every gift she gave. If you ever got a present from Donna Mae, you probably smiled while pulling out that card before enjoying your gift.

 In true Donna Mae fashion, we would appreciate your own business card (or one with special meaning) to return the favor. Please drop a business card in the card basket or include one in a personal sympathy card to the family. Let’s send Donna Mae off with a fitting personal touch of her own.

Donna Mae is survived by son Ted (Tracy) Jerred, grandson Derrek Jerred and his fiancée Hayley Thompson, brother Tom Mikkelson and several nieces and nephews. She is proceeded in death by her parents, husband Clayton, sister Jo Saint and nephew Mark Saint.