Donna Jean Feilzer (McFarlane)

Donna “Mickey” McFarlane Feilzer, 87, of Missoula passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020 of natural causes.
Mickey was born November 12, 1932, to Alvin and Anne McFarlane. Growing up in Aitkin, MN, Donna Jean was joined by younger brother Alvin Jr., and the two were christened “Mickey” and “Mac” by friends and family. She graduated from high school in 1950 and accepted a position working as a comptometer operator for Northland Greyhound in Minneapolis. It was a job that would change her life. A co-worker requested that she go on a blind date with a friend. This blind date resulted in her meeting the tall, handsome, love of her life, Robert “Bob” A. Feilzer.
The two married on August 8, 1953 in Minneapolis before moving to Troy, MT to begin Bob’s career with the U.S. Forest Service. Bob’s career took them from ranger stations in Troy, Rexford, and Trego, MT to offices in Sandpoint, ID , Hamilton and finally Kalispell, MT. They met many wonderful friends along the way. While Mickey thoroughly enjoyed living in each and every one of these locations, that joy was nothing, compared to the joy brought by the birth of their children. Three girls; Nancy, Karen, Rebecca (Becky) and three boys; Keith, Anthony (Tony) and Kurt. The Feilzer crew. She loved them fiercely. And oh, the stories that came from wrangling and raising six children.
Upon Bob’s retirement, they took an almost year- long RV tour of the United States, square danced up a storm and constructed a dream house on property known as “Ralph”. When they weren’t working on the house they could be found camping, fishing on their boat or traveling with friends and family. The arrival of her first two grandchildren brought about a slight name change and thus, she was dubbed “Grandma Mickey Mouse” from that time forward.
After Bob’s passing, Mickey traveled with her children, grandchildren and friends to many wonderful, exciting places. She created beautiful cross stitches, could do any crossword or cryptogram put in front of her, loved to play Bridge with the girls and played a mean game of Jeopardy. She continued her love for camping as well as just the simple joy of being around her family and friends. She was known for making absolutely the BEST potato salad.
She was an active member in the Catholic Church. She served as the parish secretary for St. Matthew’s Parish while living in Kalispell. In 2012 she moved to Missoula to be closer to family.
Mickey is survived by her children; Nancy (Mike Hughes), Karen (Bob Fishman), Becky (Terry Falcon), Keith (Debra), Tony (Terri Jo) and Kurt (Kim). Grandchildren; Jennifer, Lindsay, Mikalah, Miles, Robert, Nicole, Nicholas, Kara, Kayla, Alex, Zach, Rachel, Robert, Sara, Hana and Abbe along with 8 great – grandchildren.
Mickey is preceded in death by her beloved, Bob; her parents, her brother and two premature granddaughters.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at Christ the King Catholic Church; 1400 Gerald Ave, Missoula, MT with Monsignor Kevin O’ Neill officiating. Interment will follow on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 11am at Hamilton Riverview Cemetery, 99 Westbridge Rd, Hamilton, MT.
The family would like to thank Elilia, Tonya and Amber for their wonderful, kind and loving care during Mom’s/Gramma’s last precious days.
She had the sweetest, most beautiful giggle that we will miss so much. We love you.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew’s Catholic School, 602 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901 or to the Hamilton Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton, MT 59840.