Sami Doncheske, 69, of Palmer, passed away peacefully Friday, March 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer. Rev. Jay Towell will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Club in Palmer.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Sami was born on January 8, 1957, in Hastings, Nebraska, the daughter of William and Carolyn (Forbes) Davis. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1975 and later earned her nursing degree from Central Community College in Columbus.

She was united in marriage to Lee Doncheske on November 23, 1974, in Palmer. To this union four daughters were born. In 1984, Sami and Lee moved to Mesa, Arizona, where she worked at Mi Casa Nursing Home and Desert Samaritan Hospital. In 1992, the family returned to Nebraska, where Sami continued to build a life centered around her family.

Sami was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and the heart of her family. She shared a beautiful life with her husband, whose love and companionship meant everything to her. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. She was a proud mother of her four daughters, each of whom carried forward her strength, kindness, and sass.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary in Palmer.

Sami enjoyed her daily drives with her cherished dog, Luna. She loved the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs at the river. Sami will be remembered for her giving heart, her blue cheese dressing, homemade pies, au gratin potatoes, and tiger meat.

Sami’s legacy continues through her fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply. Her family was her greatest joy.

Survivors include her husband, Lee of Palmer; daughters and spouses, Heather Mendez (Tom Gardner) of Grand Island, Winter Doncheske of Grand Island, Natalie and Mario Chavez of Chapman, and Hilarie Moreno (Jeff Munoz) of Grand Island; grandchildren, Brooke (Richard), Briauna (Ryan), Christian (Ahtziri), Sabrina, Andrea (Anthony), Caitlin, Brenden (Briana), Gavin (Jo), Mason (Melissa), Braxton, Breylin, Savannah, Gracie Mae, and Elise; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Emmarie, Evanie, Zayn, Santana, Sammi, Estella, Renesme, Alheli, Ayonna, and Aryn; sister, Rebecca Plambeck of Hastings; brothers, Bill Davis of Palmer and Randy Davis of Hastings; brothers-in-law, Lance Doncheske and Les Doncheske, both of Palmer; sister-in-law, Lisa Doncheske of Lincoln; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Sam” and Carolyn “June” Davis; her father and mother-in-law, LeRoy and Loris Doncheske; sister, Carolyn (Butch) Joseph; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Jill Davis; brother-in-law, Jamie Plambeck; sister-in-law, Linda Doncheske; and her beloved dog, Luna.