Donna Jean Frischknecht

Jean Frischknecht

Manti, Utah

Donna Jean Madsen Frischknecht, affectionately known as "Jean", peacefully left this earth life on June 14, 2014 at her home in Manti. She lived a full life for 90 years as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.

Jean was born in Manti, Utah on April 30, 1924, to Parley Christian and Miranda Jensen Madsen. Jean married her high school sweetheart, Kay Lamar Frischknecht, on November 20, 1942, and their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on October 8, 1997. He preceded her in death.

Jean was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings.

Jean grew up during the "Great Depression" when hard work was a necessary way of life. She learned and taught by example a great work ethic. While raising nine children, Jean was employed at the sewing plant, as secretary at Manti Elementary and later doubled as secretary for the Sanpete County Attorney and Sanpete County USU Extension at the Courthouse. Jean and Kay worked hard together to build a successful sheep ranching operation. Working side by side, they were partners in every sense of the word. Among other things Jean prepared and delivered meals to her husband and worked alongside him during busy lambing and shearing seasons. Of all her accomplishments, Jean’s family was her crowning achievement and the center of her life. Jean often expressed that in addition to providing a livelihood for the family, the ranching business provided an opportunity for her children to learn to work.　 Never putting her own interests above others, she encouraged her children in their life pursuits.

Jean, while quiet, was an adventurer at heart. 　She loved traveling to exotic destinations with Kay and their friends. She went on cruises with her children, enjoyed horse races, cabin weekends and visits with children and grandchildren. Jean was a big part of the social fabric of Manti. She loved playing bridge and associating with friends at 40 MET and ET and at the Manti Senior Center.

Jean is survived by her nine children: Elder John Kay (Susan) Frischknecht, currently serving in the Ukraine mission; Steven Parley (Kathy) Frischknecht, Paul Randy (Marla) Frischknecht, Kent Allen (Jennifer) Frischknecht, Joe Madsen (Barbara) Frischknecht, Kristine (Doug) Frischknecht-Evertsen, Fred Gene (Shirley) Frischknecht, Mary (Rod) Anderson, Ann (Val) Anderson; 41 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law: Mary Lois Madsen (Jack, deceased), Kathryn Frischknecht, (Dean, deceased) and Jean Frischknecht (Clair, deceased).

Also proceeded in death by her parents; grandson, Cody Kay Frischknecht; great-granddaughter, Jessica Olsen; siblings: Edna Kunz, Clay Madsen, Dorothy Madsen, Beth Arnold, Doris Mae Madsen, Reva Smith and Jack Madsen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti Stake Center, 555 East Center where friends may call Friday from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 -10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Manti Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.