Donna Marie (Hippo) Meschke , 80, Minot, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015, peacefully with family at her side at a Minot hospital.

Donna was born December 17, 1934, in Altoona, PA to Edgar and Margaret (Hughes) Hippo. She was reared and educated in her hometown, graduating from Altoona Catholic High School in 1952.

Donna was united in marriage to Ronald Chester Meschke on January 6, 1954 in Altoona, PA. They were blessed with four children: Linda, Kathleen, Daniel, and Darin. In the early years she preferred to stay at home to take care of their children. Donna continued to follow Ron's career with the United States Air Force for the next twenty years, holding residences in New York, Wyoming, North Dakota and Goose Bay, Labrador until settling to Minot in 1972.

Throughout the years, Donna held positions as a Legal Assistant for attorney Herb Meschke, for the trust department at First National Bank, and for a large part of her career, she assisted Tom Wentz at the Pringle and Herigstad Law Firm, where she maintained lifetime friendships with her co-workers.

Donna was a long standing member of Little Flower Catholic Parish. She served as a parish council member and a lector as well as other ministries when asked. Her greatest contribution to the parish was her modeling a gentle faithfulness to the community. She was known for her smile and deep faith which was manifested in her quiet acceptance of painful health issues in the last couple of years. Her life made the community of Little Flower richer in the Spirit whether she was physically present or not.

Many winters were spent with her husband Ron at Tower Lakes in Lake Wales, FL with their many friends until Ron passed away December 12, 2005. Afterwards she continued to take great pleasure hosting family visits, playing a variety of card games and dominoes (don't forget your quarters!), and even once in a while letting the family win. Always a highlight for her was a day trip anywhere, in particular, a trip to the casino with her many dear friends and family. She also enjoyed helping with bingo at their community center. She had a ready laugh and loved to share stories or a good joke with all those she loved or met.

Donna's loving family includes, Children, Lyn Ebertz, Manhattan Beach, CA, Kathy Meschke, Oakdale, MN, Dan (Deb) Meschke, Minot, ND and Darin (Marlee) Meschke, Bismarck, ND; Grandchildren, Kris Klein, Stacy, MN, Erin (Ron) Skarhus, Burnsville, MN, Jennifer (Paul) Dalen, Minot ND, Tyler (FaLynn Reiswig) Meschke, Minot, ND, Heather Meschke, Minot, ND and Kellie, Abbie and Grace Meschke, Bismarck, ND; Great-grandchildren, Gavin and Caralina Edmund, Colton Meschke, Aleah Jones and Jordyn Meschke, all of Minot, ND; Sister, Rose Howland, Levittown, PA and Karen (Edward) Bonk, Mercerville, NJ; Brothers, Ed Hippo and David Hippo, both of Levittown, PA; Sister-in-law, Sharon (James) Buscho, Morristown, MN along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donna was grateful to her friend Steve Edmund. His kind, loving care enabled her to remain in her home as long as possible. Her family is forever grateful.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ron and sisters-in-law, Nancy Hippo, Barbara Hippo, and Anna Hippo.

Due to construction in Donna\'s parish, Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2015 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 from noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Little Flower Building Renovation.