Donna Jean Kain, 80, resident of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Aug 20, 2016, at Sacred Heart Nursing Home after a brief illness.

Donna Jean Kain was born on Sept. 24, 1936, in Kossuth County, Iowa, the daughter of Orris Cushman and Edna Knowles. She attended school in Swea City and graduated from Swea City High School in 1954.

Shortly after high school Donna was united in marriage to Richard Kain. They were blessed with five children, Kolleen, Kelly, Kirk, Karla and Kevin. The family lived on the Kain family farm where they raised crops and livestock until they moved into Algona, Iowa where she and Richard later parted ways. Donna then enjoyed many years with Luther (Pepper) Fairbanks and they were blessed with a son Tom Fairbanks. Upon Luther’s death Donna moved to Burt, Iowa and ultimately to Austin, Minnesota to be closer to family.

Donna especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She spent a lot of time visiting them in California, North Carolina, Minnesota and Iowa. She looked forward to the yearly family reunions where everyone got together for fishing, camping and an overall good time. Those times in Okoboji, the Whittemore Pitts and Smith Lake will be forever cherished.

Donna’s spirit lives on through her sons Kirk Kain, Kevin Kain and Tom Fairbanks; daughters, Kelly Reed and Karla Mackins; son-in-laws, Mark Reed, Ruben Acosta and Billy Mackins; daughter-in-laws Cynthia Kain and Amanda  Fairbanks; fourteen grandchildren; Adam and Ariel Reed, Jordan and Kobe Mackins, Bryce, Brett and Braelyn Kain, AJ Oliver, Michael and Meredith Matson, Ethan, Caleb, Isabella and Tabitha Fairbanks, along with her great grandchildren; Tyler and Walker Reed, Adaline Kvam, Avery Oliver and Grace Kain.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Kolleen Kain, step mother Elda Cushman, step father Paul Knowles, sister Ardi Cushman, sister Lavonne Rains, brother Duane Cushman, parents Orris Cushman and Edna Knowles and her partner Luther (Pepper) Fairbanks. She is survived by her step sisters Lana Laabs, Lisa Bromeland and step brothers Les and Denny Cushman.

A memorial service for Donna will be held in the summer of 2017 with final resting place being the Portland Township Cemetery. Please contact Kirk Kain at 562-547-2433 for attendance. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts will be given by the family to the Rochester Mayo Clinic, Sacred Heart Nursing Home and Austin Our House Senior Living Center. Memorial gifts can be sent to 1615 First Ave. SE, Austin, MN 55912.