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Donna Lange

Powerball Winner • MN • 2003

Jackpot (2024$)

$248,000,000

lump sum

Age at Win

65

School cafeteria worker

Quick Facts

Win Date
October 25, 2003
State
MN
Winner Type
syndicate
Marital Status
married
Ticket Type
Quick Pick
Payment Choice
lump sum
After Tax
$34M

Timeline

*
Date unknown

Powerball drawing - Happy Huskers match all numbers

*
Date unknown

Sunday morning - Donna Lange calls Karen Overman at 7 AM

*
Date unknown

Taco Day - all 16 serve students then claim prize

*
Date unknown

Ellen DeGeneres Show appearance

*
Date unknown

KARE 11 14-year update

*
Date unknown

Elaine Schumer dies

*
Date unknown

Donna Lange dies

*
Date unknown

Mary Heitzman dies

Notable Quotes

"We have got breakfast to put out. The kids come first."

"I called her a liar three times."

"By George! It all matched."

"Oh no. I am not going to tell you."

Analysis

Protective Factors

  • +Syndicate support network
  • +Strong work ethic
  • +Catholic faith (15/16)
  • +Rural community roots
  • +Modest aspirations
  • +13-year shared ritual

How They Found Out

Sunday 7 AM, Donna checked numbers at home. Called Karen Overman who "called her a liar three times." Emergency meeting at school. MONDAY: All 16 showed up, served TACO LUNCH to 900 students, THEN departed to claim prize.

Research Quality: verified • Last Updated: 12/7/2023 • Years Tracked: 21
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