Donna Lou Pfister

Donna Lou Pfister obituary

Donna Lou Pfister

Donna Pfister Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home - Tanasbourne on Jul. 30, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Donna Lou Pfister (Luethe), 82, a resident of the Hillsboro community passed away on June 26, 2025, with family by her side after a sudden diagnosis on May 20, 2025, of a terminal brain tumor. Donna was born in Portland, OR on July 15, 1942 to Brooks and Virginia Luethe (Falkenberg) and joined brother Mallory, followed by brothers Bill, Larry and Allan. Donna grew up in the Skyline area where her family had been for several generations. She attended Skyline Grade School and had the pleasure of having her Aunt Irma, Aunt Ramona and her mother teach at the school, igniting her desire to follow in their footsteps. During her childhood she and her brothers helped on the family farm where they raised potatoes and worked together to harvest each fall. She graduated from Hillsboro High School, Class of 1960. During high school, family friend Robert Hoagland introduced Donna to a quiet young gentleman, John Pfister who lived down on Keizer Road. Donna had already noticed him as she would wait for the school bus and see him drive by. Their first date was a double date and the beginning of a relationship with lots of love. Donna continued her education at Portland State University where she received her bachelor's degree in education. After college, she began her career at West Union Elementary School where she taught the third grade. On December 19, 1964, Donna and John were united in marriage on a beautiful snowy day at the Skyline Grange where family and friends braved the weather bundled up in their coats and boots. Following their marriage, they made their home together in Hillsboro near the airport. In November 1968, they welcomed their first child, Frederick "Fred" and in December 1970 Donald "Don" completed the family. Donna stayed home to be with Fred & Don until they were both in school. The family would take road trips and camp at destinations such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Redwoods as well as trips to Sand Lake to the dunes and to Ocean Park to the family cabin to clam, crab and enjoy time with family. When she continued her career, she worked for Portland Public Schools beginning as a teacher, then Vice Principal and ultimately Principal until her retirement in 2000. In 1980, the family moved up to Skyline on twenty acres where they had a large garden, grew & baled hay for their sheep, cut & stacked lots of wood and spent time with family as the kids grew up. She was also a member of the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department and Skyline Grange. One of the greatest joys for Donna was being a grandmother. She was an incredible Grandmother and each of her Grandchildren hold very special memories of her they will cherish forever. She and John spent time camping, going to Disneyland, Wildlife Safari and many other road trips with them along with countless playdates at their house. After retirement she enjoyed puzzles, quilting and working in her flower beds & vegetable garden. Donna and John enjoyed traveling and attended many NASCAR races (sometimes Donna would enjoy the race while also reading a book). Going to the County Fairs to watch the different generations of the family including their children, grandchildren and nephews & nieces show and exhibit their work was a favorite time. You could always count on them being in the stands to watch. She is preceded in death by her loving husband John, three brothers: Mallory, William "Bill" and Allan. She is survived by sons, Fred and his wife, Holly of Texas, Donald of Mountaindale, brother Larry and sister in law, Laura Luethe of Portland, sisters in law; Karen Luethe of Portland, Tawnya Luethe of Portland, Joan Luethe of Arizona, five grandchildren; Brooks Pfister of Texas, Brandon Pfister of Texas, Samantha Pfister (Austin) of Scappoose, Sydney Pfister (Alex) of Arizona, Henry Pfister (Isabelle) of Sublimity and four great grandchildren; Millie, Layla, Halston and Charlotte. Even though we miss her terribly, we are glad she is now hand in hand with John once again. The family suggest donations to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation Click Here

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donna Pfister's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Donna Pfister's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?