LaDonna Jean Kogge, 97, of St. Marys, OH passed away 1:45 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2026 at Elmwood of New Bremen, in the presence of her loving family.

She was born May 8, 1928 in Lima, OH to Guy Vernon and Iris Ann (Armentrout) Burwell.

She met the love of her life, Paul R. Kogge, while he was doing work at her parents' home. They scheduled a first date but, due to a snowstorm, Paul was unable to make it down the long farm lane to pick her up. As fate would have it, he left the next day to serve a stint in the U.S. Army. Despite the circumstances, a relationship ensued and they were married March 6, 1950 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in St. Marys. They enjoyed 65 years of wedded bliss until his passing on June 26, 2015.

Survivors include daughter Cindy (Jerry) Wehrman of Celina, OH; son Rodney (Denise) Kogge of Galloway, OH; son Scott (Mary) Kogge of St. Marys, OH; son Gregg Kogge of St. Augustine, FL; son Rick (Penny) Kogge of St. Marys, OH; son Marc (Sheri) Kogge of Minster, OH; 16 grandchildren: Jennifer (Barry) Kuck, Jessica (Jeff) Walters, Luke (Molly Dillon) Makley, Nathan (Nicole) Kogge, Jeff (Jill) Kogge, Jill (Derek) Turner, Nan (Bill) Ruane, Jeanna (Kyle) Schlarman, Melissa (Chris) Pierce, Justin (Kara Krumel) Kogge, Erica Kogge, Wesley (Kim) Kogge, Taylor (Derek Robb) Kogge, Jacob Salazar, Katie Kogge, Andrew Kogge; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother Lowell Burwell of Liberty, IN; sister-in-law Mary Louise Wale of St. Marys, OH; and brother-in-law LeRoy Kogge of St. Marys, OH.

Preceded in death by parents Guy and Iris Burwell; husband Paul R. Kogge; granddaughter Julie Makley; daughter-in-law Missie Kogge; sister-in-law Jeanette Burwell; sister-in-law Joyce Kogge; brother-in-law Harold Wale; brother-in-law Carl Kogge; sister-in-law Wanda Kogge; brother-in-law Vernon Kogge; sister-in-law Helen Kogge; sister-in-law Ruth Kogge; sister-in-law Catherine Kogge; and parents-in-law John and Minnie Kogge.

She was a graduate of Lima Sr. High School. In 1952, she and Paul founded Kogge Electric, Plumbing & Heating Co. in a small building in downtown Moulton, OH. The business flourished, eventually moving to its current location on Indiana Avenue in St. Marys.

LaDonna embraced life to the fullest in all that she did, whether it be working, raising a family or enjoying her precious free time. Her favorite pastimes included bowling in numerous leagues, attending her grandchildren's activities and visiting with family and close friends. She especially treasured the memories created in her younger years when she showed horses. LaDonna's life was a living history book, having successfully transformed from being raised on a farm without electricity to watching Neil Armstrong land on the moon to a modern world of computer electronics. She will be missed!

Services to honor the life of Mrs. LaDonna Jean Kogge will be private. Burial will follow at the Resthaven Memory Gardens near Moulton, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to EverHeart Hospice 230 W. Main Street in Coldwater, OH 45828.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with LaDonna's family via: wwww.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.