Obituary: Donna Heyse

July 9, 1949 – November 7, 2024

Donna Ilene Heyse passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on July 9, 1949, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the late Donald and Ilene Heyse.

Donna grew up and attended schools in Colorado Springs. She graduated from Wasson High School in 1967. After graduation she attended Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, where she met her husband, Kirk Jensen. She later attended the University of Northern Colorado to earn a master’s degree in education. Donna taught middle school English in the Vail Valley for 32 years.

As the eldest of five siblings, Donna was always in charge. Donna grew up training dogs, horseback riding, 4H, Rangerettes and visiting the family farm in Burlington, Colorado. Donna was crowned Queen of the El Paso County Fair for both 1965 and 1966.

Donna and Kirk enjoyed camping and four-wheeling throughout the beautiful Colorado Mountains. They loved boating around Lake Powell as well. Donna and Kirk also enjoyed flying around the western part of the country in their small plane. You could always find Sudoku and crossword puzzles next to her sitting spot.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Kirk, and a host of loving family.

“Death is not an ending, but a symbol of movement along the path upon which we are all traveling. As it may be painful to lose contact with the physical aspect of one we love, the Spirit can never be lost. We have been and always will be part of each other. ” -John Denver-