Donna Boldt - Self

Donna J. Boldt Self, 89, of Gardner, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

Donna Jeanne Scannell was born on January 14, 1937, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Lawrence Scannell Sr. and Dessie Baker Scannell.

She married Harold Boldt in 1954 in Davenport, and together they shared 29 years and raised their family.

A lifelong Catholic, Donna lived a life of community service. She sang in church choirs and devoted countless hours to serving others as an officer of numerous service groups and organizations, contributing her time and talent in ways that reflected her deep commitment to others.

During her lifetime, Donna resided in Davenport, Des Moines, Ottumwa, and Clinton, Iowa, and in Orlando, Florida, before spending the final 21 years of her life in Roseville, California, near her granddaughters and extended family.

In May of 2025, Donna relocated to Gardner, Kansas, where she resided at Homestead Assisted Living of Gardner. During her time there, she was cared for with compassion and love by the staff and formed meaningful relationships with fellow residents.

Donna was a graduate of Clinton Community College, where she earned a degree in business administration. Throughout her career, both before and after retirement, she worked in customer service at Younkers, Von Maur, and Kohl’s department stores, and worked as a director for KinderCare Learning Centers in Orlando, Florida, where she made a lasting impact on countless children and families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Scannell Sr. and Dessie Baker Scannell; her siblings, Lawrence Scannell Jr. and Betty Rossmiller; and her children, Thomas A. Boldt and John L. Boldt.

She is survived by her children: Nancy Salm (David) of Dayton, Nevada, and James Boldt (Kathleen O’Malley Boldt) of Olathe, Kansas; along with seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Donna had a warm and engaging personality and truly never met a stranger. She spent her life caring for others, always putting family, friends, and community first.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Davenport, on Friday, July 10, 2026, with inurnment following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport.

In lieu of flowers, Donna requested that donations be made to the Activities Fund at Homestead Assisted Living of Gardner, the community where she resided.

Donna will be remembered for her kindness, her faith, and her unwavering love for her family and community.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.