Donna June (Kleinschmidt) Surprise

Donna June Surprise, 84, of Lyons, Kansas, died March 4, 2026, at Sandstone Heights in Little River, Kansas.

Born July 17, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, to Alvin John and Madalene Rose (Bailey) Kleinschmidt, Donna's lifelong love of reading and books led her to earn a BA in English from Fort Hays State, and then she spent 45 years in the Lyons USD 405 schools as a teacher and librarian. Her dedication was recognized in 1976 when her colleagues named her Master Teacher of the Year. Donna stayed engaged with her students long after they left her classroom, showing her deep commitment to their growth and well-being.

Beyond her career, Donna was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club in Lyons. She avidly tracked many sports, especially the KU Jayhawks, and often followed former players into the pros. In her free time, she enjoyed photography, crocheting, stained glass, and playing cards and Scrabble with friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Douglas Surprise; Doug’s father, Curtis Surprise; her brother, Bob Kleinschmidt; and her sister-in-law, Arlene Kleinschmidt.

Donna is survived by her nephew, Jeff (Sarah) Kleinschmidt; nieces, Holly (Camron) Erway and Kelli (Lloyd) Walker; stepdaughters, Julie (David) Surprise and Joy (Dee) Poindexter; and Brian (Linda) Friess, whom she held dear as family; as well as her close friend and caregiver, Lee Ann Sidebottom. She is also survived by cousins, former colleagues, students, and many friends, reflecting the wide reach of her friendship.

Viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with the service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. in Vesper Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lyons USD 405 library in care of Birzer Funeral Homes.

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