Donna Rae Syvertson

Donna Rae Syvertson, 74, passed away on October 25, 2025. Donna was born to Lloyd P. Syvertson and Edith M (Moore) Syvertson on August 17, 1951 in Fort Benton, MT.

Donna graduated from Conrad High School in the Class of 1969. She continued her education at the University of Missoula where she obtained her Bachelor of Art degree in Journalism. Donna continued in graduate classes towards a Master’s Degree in interdisciplinary studies. She began working at the Missoulian and worked as a reporter for 32 years. As a reporter she covered numerous roles from reporting on education program local government issues, wire desk editor. She had many faithful followers that read each and every article she wrote. The highlight of her life was when she became the first female sports reporter in Montana. She covered Missoula High School sports, University of Montana sporting events both Men and Women. She was a proud Griz fan and enjoyed the rivalry with her Bobcat fan brother.

After Donna retired from the Missoulian she carried on with her mother's strong work ethic and kept herself busy by being a driver's aid for Beach Transportation School bus. In the summer, she drove one of the famous Red Buses as a "gear jammer" in Glacier Park sharing her knowledge of park history.

In talking about Donna a friend remarked "She was always up for trying anything involving outdoor adventures ". She was a hang glider (until she broke her arm), figure skater, baton twirler in high school, skier, and even threw in some reading and quilting in the mix. She was a member of the Western Montana Wood Carvers and attended many wood carving retreats in West Glacier.

She loved to travel and was able to visit France, England, Norway and Japan. In Norway, Donna, researched her ancestry and interviewed numerous relatives that helped her complete her family tree. She was a faithful member of the Sons of Norway organization. She helped make hundreds of Viking meatballs and helped with Sons of Norway camps in West Glacier and Canada.

Donna had a love for life and loved meeting new people and finding out their story. She always had a sparkle in her hazel eyes and a beautiful smile to go along. She will be missed by all who knew her. Her family was always surprised at Christmas by the coolest and unique gifts she bought in Missoula!!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Syvertson and Edith Barker; her brother, Bob and his twin William (at birth); nephew, Ron Syvertson; and sister-in-law, Sandra Syvertson.

Donna is survived by her siblings, Ralph Syvertson of Evansville, WY, Sandy (Terry) Syvertson of Conrad, James (Sue) Syvertson of Kalispell, Valerie (Ben) Batson of Brandon, FL, Terry Engelhardt of Amherst VA and Gerald Barker of Conrad. Donna is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. They have stories to tell about her little idiosyncrasies when playing cards.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, November 6, at 11:00am at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home. A reception at the Conrad Moose Lodge will follow the burial.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sons of Norway, Normanden Lodge 4-424 Box 3421, Missoula MT 59806.