Mary Donna (Wier) Patton

Mary Donna Patton, 91, of Nebraska City passed away at the Ambassador Healthcare Facility on June 2, 2026.

Mary Donna was born to Emmet “Skelly” & Evelyn Wier in Nebraska City, NE on June 21, 1934.

Mary Donna graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1951.  She was active in band and was a cheer leader.  After school she worked for Betty Peterson Sharp Atty and Offutt Air Force Base.

Mary Donna married Loran Lee Patton on May 31, 1953 at the First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City. 

In December 1954, Loran was drafted and sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas for basic training, and in 1955 he was sent to a base in Schweinfurt, Germany.   Mary Donna traveled to New York City, NY and boarded the SS United States Ship making the journey to Germany where she joined Loran and they lived near the base he was stationed at.  They returned home in November 1956.

When Loran and Mary Donna returned home, they moved to a farm south of Nebraska City to live for several years.   In 1960 they moved to the Patton family farm where they raised their 3 sons; Dan, Dave and Doug.  They farmed their entire lives raising row crops, had a cow/calf operation, hogs and chickens. 

In 1968, the Patton family received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award for 100 years of farming from Aksarben, where David is still farming the now 158 year-old farm. 

Mary Donna was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City her entire life.  She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was involved in the Presbyterian Women’s Group, served on multiple committees and was the church Secretary for 17 years. 

Mary Donna loved being outside working in her flower beds and gardening.  She canned countless produce over her years of being an amazing farm wife and was known for her “Red Cinnamon Pickles” that she donated to be sold at the annual Presbyterian Church Bazaar.  She also loved doing craft projects, sewing, embordering and reading.  Mary Donna and Loran square danced and played in card clubs for many years. 

Both Mary Donna and Loran loved spending time with family and friends.  They especially loved having the grandkids come to the farm and play.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Dan and wife Cindy of Little Meadows, PA, Dave and wife Kate of Nebraska City, NE and Doug and wife Stephanie of Three Forks, MT. Grandchildren, Aaron Patton (Amanda), Alex Patton (Nicola), Nate Patton (Shelby), Krista Kreifel (Brian), Grace Patton and Jesse Patton.  Great-grandchildren, Titus Patton, Silas Patton, Ana Patton, Magnus Patton, Dexter Patton, Isaac Patton, Emma Kreifel, Jackson Kreifel, Cael Kreifel, Jacob Kreifel (Maddie), and Trever Kreifel (Brittany).  Great-great grandchildren, Sofia Kreifel, Kali Kreifel, Kennedy Kreifel and Lowen Kreifel.  Sister-in-law Joan Wier, nephews, niece and cousins.

Mary Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Loran L Patton, parents Emmet (Skelly) and Evelyn Wier and brother, Jack Wier.

There will be a celebration of Mary Donna’s life on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City.  Inurnment will take place at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City.

The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church, prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church Nebraska City, NE.

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