Donna Aalbu

Donna Iola Aalbu
Long time Buhl resident Donna Iola Aalbu passed away peacefully April 27th at Saint Luke’s Magic Valley hospital. She was born Dec 5th 1921 to Alfred and Ella Anderson near Fosston, Minnesota. She grew up in that area where at the young age of 15 she hosted a radio show, singing and playing guitar.

In July of 1940 she married James Aalbu, a marriage that lasted 57 years until his death in 1997. After having their first child in 1941 the couple moved to Washington state. While her husband served in World War II she worked in a defense plant. In 1944 she gave birth to her first set of twins, a very exciting event. The family moved to Kodiak, Alaska for several years in the late forties and early fifties. Later they resided in northern California where their fourth child was born.

In the 50’s they relocated to Hawthorne, Nevada where she welcomed a second set of twins. While living in Nevada, she performed with a popular family musical group playing piano and singing. She later worked civil service at the Naval base until her retirement in 1977, when she moved to Buhl. She often said that with this move she had finally found a real “home”. She became an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic church and made friends she would have for the rest of her life. She also discovered a love for trout fishing.

Donna was an incredibly special woman, a loving mother, grandmother and devoted friend. She touched so many with her caring heart and generous spirit. She never met a stranger and truly loved people. She had a zest for life and finally realized her dream of international travel in her 80’s when she traveled to the Vatican and Italy and later to Scandinavia. She had an unforgettable presence. Her bright smile, strong voice and positive attitude lifted all who knew her. Our lives are enriched for having the gift of her for so many years. We will hold her in our hearts forever.
She is survived by what she always referred to as her “beautiful family” -- her six children, Jan Ward, Donna Kirk, Jody Aalbu, Kathie Ruward, Cynthia Sommer, and Susan Sommers; her sister, Geri and brother Lee; eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 30, 2018 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Buhl. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.