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Dona J. Kloppenburg, who was well known by her professional name Dona Kanin, passed away February 13, 2005 at her home in Corrales at age 71, following a six month bout with lung cancer. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Gary Kloppenburg, also known professionally as Gary Kanin; her sister, Nancy Harris of Huntsville, AL; nieces, Dawn Drost of Columbus, GA, Debbie Williams of Huntsville, AL; Deena Mikkelsen of Corrales, Joella Gerard of Albuquerque; nieces, Connie, Marilyn, and Suzanne Cauthen; nephew, Robb Cauthen; and great-nephews, Mark Drost and Shane Williams. Dona was preceded in death by her son, Shane at age 14; mother, Eunice; and father, Bruce Cauthen; brothers, Joe and Robert Cauthen; and sisters, Barbara Cauthen and June Jones. Dona was born in Horse Springs, NM. The family moved to Hot Springs, NM (later T or C) and she was raised there. Her love was acting, and she took a theatre scholarship to Denver University. She met husband Gary at Summer Theatre in Michigan, both performing in New York City for five years. They married in NYC and moved to Columbia, SC, where Gary entered the broadcasting field and their son, Shane was born. Arriving in Albuquerque in 1965, Dona continued to be prominent in community theatre, directed programs at KNME-TV, the Corrales Adobe Theatre, and hosted talk radio. She was Entertainment Coordinator at the NM State Fair for 20 years, introducing many venues and stages from the "Opera House" to the Miller Pavilion, to the Heritage Square. She was a favorite with entertainers, and continued booking bands and entertainment until recently. Dona was legendary for directing and producing the annual Albuquerque Press Club Gridiron shows at the Kimo Theatre, to 3-stage major productions at the Convention Center. She was the First Lady of the Village of Corrales for the past 14 years. Organizations past or present include, Albuquerque Press Club, American Legion Auxiliary Post 118, Paradise Hills Methodist Church, Friends of Corrales Library, Rio Rancho Country Club, Actors Equity Association, and Screen Actors Guild. Cremation was at her request. A Memorial Service will be conducted Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at French Mortuary-Westside Chapel. Followed by burial Sandia Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite charity. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300
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