Reverend Donna Jean Wolfinger

The Reverend Donna Jean Wolfinger died peacefully at the age of 74 on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She was born on March 8, 1951, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to the late Raymond and Madaline Wolfinger.
A lifelong learner, Donna was a 1969 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Shippensburg State College in 1972. Answering a higher calling, she went on to receive her Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in 1988.
Rev. Wolfinger achieved a historic milestone when she became the first person ordained in the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her faithful service as Minister of Word and Sacrament touched numerous communities across Central Pennsylvania including the Mount Union Parish, Faith United at Houtzdale, Shepard of the Hills at Karthus, and St. Clairsville Parish at Osterburg. She retired from ministry in 2019, leaving a legacy of faith, kindness, and intellectual curiosity.
Prior to her work as an ordained minister, Donna shared her passion for reading as a children’s librarian at Hollidaysburg Library.
Beyond her professional achievements, Donna had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. She could often be found curled up with a good cozy mystery,, testing her knowledge with the daily episodes of Jeopardy!, or enjoying the fellowship and variety of a congregational covered dish meal,. Her kindness, quiet humor, and devotion to her family will be missed by all who knew her.
Rev. Wolfinger is survived by her loving sister, Nancy Forr, (David), her niece, Molly Forr; her brother, David Wolfinger, (Michele), nephew, David Wolfinger, her son, Douglas Swank; and many cousins and friends,
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, 500 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, (814) 695-0091.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Donna’s name to the Bedford County Humane Society, an organization close to her heart, or to your favorite charity.

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