Category: Obituaries

Donna Jean Barstad, 84, of Duarte was welcomed into heaven by Jesus Christ on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 5. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. with a reception following at La Cañada Presbyterian Church.
Donna Jean Bernet was born on July 26, 1935, to Oliver and Ella (Hankins) Bernet on the family farm near Sodtown, Nebraska, which was homesteaded by her grandfather. She attended a country school with her older sister Delores and younger brother Darrel. Donna graduated from Ravenna High School in 1953.
Donna was the first in her family to graduate from college. She pledged Delta Gamma at the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1958 with an education degree.
While teaching elementary school in Palo Alto, California, she met Jon Barstad, a graduate student at Stanford University. Donna was an attractive, fashionable bride on her wedding day at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, Nebraska, on July 1, 1961.
Donna, an adaptable and energetic mother, moved five times with Jon, while welcoming Jon Jr. in 1962 in Maryland and Amy in 1965 in Ohio. Donna quickly made friends and regularly returned to the family farm near Ravenna, Nebraska.
Donna was a sacrificially devoted and faithful wife, mother and grandmother. After settling in La Cañada Flintridge for 40 years, from 1976-2016, she continued to use her education gift as a substitute teacher, tutor and Descanso Gardens guide. Simo, their high school exchange student from Finland, was lovingly accepted as part of the family.
Donna enjoyed many activities with her family, including beach trips, walking, camping, skiing and traveling internationally. The family traveled through Europe in 1978. Donna and Jon also visited Jon Jr.’s family in Switzerland, Afghanistan, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia. Donna also toured Russia, Greece and Turkey. They regularly visited Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Cody, Wyoming, to visit her kids and grandkids.
Donna admitted she was powerless and turned her life over to God. She confessed her defects to God and made amends to people wherever possible. She carried this life-giving message to others.
She was a faithful member of the LCPC Voyager couples group since 1976, in addition to Assistance League of Flintridge, Delta Gamma alumnae and PEO associations.
There was always a seat at Donna’s table. She was a wonderful hostess, and her home was always open to her family, friends, students and church groups.
Donna was quick to smile, a classy dresser and welcoming host with a beautiful soul and kind heart. Her love for her life and her family were inspiring.
Donna will be missed by her husband, Jon D. Barstad, of almost 59 years; son Jon and Gabriela, grandsons Lars (20) and Johan (18) Barstad of Colorado Springs; daughter Amy and Mark, grandsons William (14) and Wesley (10) Law of Cody, Wyoming; younger brother Darrel and Linda, niece Kim Mustain and nephew Brad Bernet of Overland Park, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, Donna would be pleased if you donated to La Cañada Presbyterian Voyager Cargo Fund, 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, California 91011, or to PEO Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50312.

Philip Edwin “Phil” Lengyel, beloved husband and father, passed away on Dec. 15 from cardiac arrest at the age of 70. His family was by his side.
Born in Hammond, Indiana, in 1949 to Arlene and Bill Lengyel, Phil grew up in East Chicago, Indiana. He attended Our Lady of the Lake Seminary and Munster High School. Phil received a bachelor’s degree in radio and television from Ball State University, where he also became a brother of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
After college, Phil began a career in television and radio news as a journalist. He joined the Walt Disney Co. in 1982 as a senior publicist. Over the next 23 years, he worked in Disney Parks & Resorts Marketing as promotions manager and moved up the ladder to become senior vice president of marketing. He was later named senior vice president of sports and vice president of alliance development for Disney Parks & Resorts Worldwide.
Josh D’Amaro, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said, “From Raglan Road to our golf courses, this place is filled with Phil’s memory, and his fingerprints are all over the work that made us what we are today. Phil was an astounding individual, and we are heartbroken over his loss.”
Former Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner stated, “Phil was brilliant in business development and the marketing group at Walt Disney World. He was polite and aggressive at the same time. He did things his way and got them done. Phil was one of the funniest, kindest, decent and most caring people on the planet, with an outsized heart to match his personality.”
Phil retired from Disney in 2005 and filled a newly created position of executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the largest spectator sporting event in the world, the Indy 500.
Phil and his family relocated to California in 2011 where he joined Dick Cook Studios. Cook, chairman and CEO of Dick Cook Studios and former chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, commented, “Phil was an extremely creative marketer with brilliant ideas that he brought to life. But more importantly, Phil was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was kind and giving, as funny as funny can be, full of adventure, and dedicated to his family and friends.”
Phil enjoyed college football, especially the Fighting Irish. Legendary Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz said, “Phil was a very genuine individual and a very caring person. I cannot think of a better role model for people to emulate than Phil Lengyel. While Phil is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to infill those of us who knew him.”
Another favorite pastime of Phil’s was golfing, especially at the Annual Irish Invitational. He was also passionate about well-told stories, especially great books and movies. He loved preparing special meals — “repasts” — to share with his family; he was an amazing cook. Phil was a wonderful husband, father and friend and will forever be dearly loved by many.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Jana; their two children Lauren and Shane; from a previous marriage, Will (Chrisdin); Kelly (Jason); grandchildren Tony, Alani, Aiden and Addison; brother Michael, sisters Nancy and Kathy; and other family and friends all across the globe. Phil was a member of St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church.
In honor of Phil, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Per his wishes, Phil didn’t want any fanfare but would be pleased if a glass of Irish whiskey was raised in his memory. Sláinte, Phil!
Eternal memory and blessed repose.