Heart of a Hero – Donna Havener

This month’s Heart of a Hero has spent most of her life giving back to Milford. Donna Havener moved to Milford in 1975 and never left. She was a long-time administrator at Southeast Community College and recently retired. During that time, she met many people that took her in and accepted her with open arms. The very ones that inspired her to give back and helped her become the person she is today. One of those people was Alan Dunlap.

“I will never forget the day he picked me up at work, we drove to Friend to pick up my husband Brad up from a job site and Alan drove two young kids to York to the close on our first house,” said Donna. “I was so nervous to write that first check and I thought we were signing our lives away and would never get it paid for, but he was there for us and encouraged us. Needless to say, it was the first of many transactions made at Farmers and Merchants Bank with all of our housing projects. Alan went above and beyond for us.”

Another mentor encouraged Donna to build houses in Milford. “Dean Rhodes encouraged us to start building houses in Milford. He was always there, encouraging us along the way reminding us that were improving the community and he was always available to answer our questions and guide us to the correct solutions,” said Donna.

Donna’s third mentor helped her in more ways than one. “Roger Hoppe was always available to keep the cars running and encouraged us along the way of being active community members,” said Donna.

“These three men mentored two people to love our community and to always try to do your best to be available in the community and to improve the community,” said Donna. “Many times during my career at SCC, I would think of these three men when I had instructors and students in my office and I always wanted to encourage them to become the best they could in Milford and wherever life led them. I hope someday, someone can look back and say Brad and Donna helped me along the way like these three men did for us.”

While Donna didn’t grow up in Milford, she still considers it her hometown. “Milford means the world to me. Milford is where I met Brad, where we raised our boys, and where we both worked our whole careers. Milford is personal family, church family, work family and Milford is full of lifetime friendships,” said Donna.

Donna gives back without any expectation of recognition. “I was totally surprised about being recognized by the bank for this award. I am humbled to be recognized, but what an honor,” said Donna.

While Donna’s enjoying her retirement, she still finds ways to stay active in the community. “Brad has built and remodeled many homes in Milford, and we have built and remodeled many of our own homes in Milford. Brad has been on the planning and zoning committee for many years,” said Donna. “We are both active members of the United Methodist Church. I am one of the few remaining charter members of the Milford Kiwanis Club and have been president, president-elect, secretary, board member, and lieutenant governor for Division 22 in the Nebraska Iowa District. Since I want to live in a great community, I try to get involved to make it a great community.”

What drives Donna to give back to the Milford community? Answer: The people. “A community is really only as great as people make it,” said Donna. “It takes everyone to make a community great and each person needs to find their place to be the best they can be.”

Some of the best people are the ones that dedicate their lives to teaching others and being the best version of themselves. Thank you for all you’ve given to Milford, Donna!

Each month, we highlight a Heart of a Hero story on our website and our social media. As a Bank customer, you get to nominate a “Hero” you know. It could be anyone who needs recognition for their good deeds. Nominate someone today.