Donna Gail Oliver

Born February 17th, 1950, in Duluth, Minnesota, a daughter of Donald and Clara Dahlen, Donna was raised in Duluth and graduated from Duluth Central High School. On August 28th, 1971, Donna was united in marriage to Kim Dwight Oliver, who was serving in the US Air Force. Throughout the 26 years of his military career, Donna traveled to his overseas and domestic duty assignments, always working in some capacity as a secretary-accountant. She loved to travel and was always excited to see different places. In September 1985, Kim was assigned to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, and in 1986 the couple built their home in West Branch Township. There, in the great outdoors she loved, Donna enjoyed walking around their property, spending time at campfires down by their pond, roasting hot dogs, and just relaxing by the fire. Kim retired from the Air Force in 1994 and continued logging on his property and working locally. In November 2009, the couple embarked on a new adventure by opening the A and M Cafe on US 41 in Skandia.

A family enterprise, the restaurant, named for their granddaughters, Ashton and Makenzie, became a local favorite, known for its delicious menu options. Again, Donna assumed the role of accountant and, with her outgoing personality, enjoyed greeting and talking with their customers, and in the process made many new friends. Donna also took an active role in her community from the beginning, serving as a first responder for Skandia Township for 20 years and being an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church where she served on several committees. She was dependable and well organized whether in her business pursuits or personal life. In her leisure, Donna enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, hiking with Makenzie and sharing stories of her life with Ashton. She loved animals, always had to have at least one dog, was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting and crafting with stained glass, and walked their property in the company of her dogs and cat whenever she could.

Donna is survived by her husband and best friend, Kim; sons, Scott Oliver of Skandia and Kurt Oliver of Copperas Cove, TX; her granddaughters, Ashton and Makenzie Oliver of Skandia; a sister, Jane (David) Nelson of Mahtowa, MN; brother, Craig (Barb) Dahlen of Duluth, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Dahlen.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Skandia-West Branch Township Fire Department, P.O. Box 48, Skandia, MI 49885.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.