Donna Lou StrubeClaflin, KS

Donna Lou Strube, 81, formerly of Claflin, died May 16, 2025, at her home at Good Samaritan Society – Hutchinson Village. She was born May 4, 1944, in Great Bend, KS, to Albert H. and Viola L. (Knop) Soeken.

Donna graduated from Claflin High School in 1962. She attended Kansas State University, and received her cosmetology license in Manhattan, KS. Donna was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin, as well as serving as organist for many years.  She was also active in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Donna enjoyed camping, travelling, gardening and tending to her flowers. Her most cherished memories were time spent with family and friends.

On November 29, 1964, she married her lifelong love, Arthur P. “Art” Strube, in Claflin. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Thanksgiving of 2024.

Donna is survived by:  daughters, Tonia Navarro of Hutchinson, Terese (Wade) Beal of Harper, Tiffany (Brent) Steinle of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren, Joshua Navarro, Haley Navarro, Taylor Claflin, Kendra Claflin and Kellen Claflin, Sydney Steinle and Austin Steinle; siblings, Merle (Ileen) Soeken, Marilyn Buczinski, Nancy Soeken; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Art Strube (he died on December 11, 2024); and brother-in-law, Larry Buczinski.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 121 5th St., Claflin, officiated by Pastor Daniel Harders. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and 5-8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.