Donna Larson

     Donna Marie Larson was born on April 25, 1936, in Castana, Iowa to Lewis and Nettie “Grace” (Riley) Leisinger. She grew up in the Mapleton, Iowa area and attended school there. Her first job was working at the bowling alley where she set the pins. On June 14, 1952, Donna was united in marriage to Marvin Larson in Denison, Iowa and they were blessed with four children, Terri, Johnny, Lisa and Ronnie. The family lived in the Charter Oak, Iowa area and farmed. They moved to a farm near Ute, Iowa in 1964. Donna’s help was a vital part of the farming operation, helping work the land, making meals and tending to the garden and many different animals. In 1983 they moved into town. Donna worked at the Magic Depot Daycare as well as Dairy Treat, Steffen’s Café and Ruth’s Café where she cooked. She loved to babysit her grandchildren and neighborhood kids. Marvin died on October 29, 2010.

     Donna was a member of the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her time in the neighborhood club the “900 Club”. Her kindness and warmth cultivated strong friendships and community ties. Her love for games was evident in her enjoyment of cards and word puzzles and she found joy in connecting with others through Facebook. Donna was particularly known for making the best fried chicken and potato salad. Above all, Donna cherished her family. Her legacy lives on in the memories etched in the hearts of those she has left behind.

     Donna died on May 30, 2025, at the Denison Care Center at the age of 89 years, one month and five days.

     Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Ronnie Larson; grandchildren, Stephanie Larson and Michael Kuhlmann; daughter-in-law, Joleen Larson; siblings, Dorothy Archer, Gladys Phipps, Darlene Wacheldorf, Norma Kohler, Fred Leisinger and Vernon “Pete” Leisinger; and good friend, Elaine Nemitz. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Terri and her husband Barry Kuhlmann of Good Thunder, Minnesota, Johnny Larson of Soldier, Iowa and Lisa and her husband Jerry Hicks of Denison, Iowa; grandchildren, Amanda (Michael) Aliperto, Jordyn Kuhlmann, Dawn (Andrew) Mizner, Ryan (Samantha) Larson, Pat (Deana) Hicks, Heather Hicks (Eugenio Battaglia) and Tyler Larson; great-grandchildren, Julia Aliperto, Abigail Aliperto, Jax Conyers and Sommer Hicks; brother-in-law, Dean (Edith) Kohler of Paola, Kansas; and many other relatives and friends.