Dona Jean Duhme

DUHME

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/26/2018 at 12:06:18

Dona Jean Duhme age 88, of Preston, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Preston. Burial will take place in Andrew Cemetery, Andrew, Iowa. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Memorials given in Dona’s honor will be divided amongst her church (St. John’s Lutheran Church), her passion for local history (Jackson County Historical Society) and her love for animals (Jackson County Humane Society).

Dona was born in Washington Township, near Green Island, Iowa. Dona graduated in 1947 from Preston High School. Dona married Lyle Duhme February 17, 1954 and declares her marriage was one of deep love and devotion which lasted over 60 years.

Dona’s early life was on the farm and after completing High School she worked for Charlie Marvin’s Insurance Office in Preston, which later became Preston Mutual. Later she worked for years at the Farmer’s Savings Bank (Community Bank). When they moved to their retirement home Dona worked at Maquoketa State Bank for 12 years. This is why Lyle says, if Dona is involved you can “Bank on It”.

Dona was a devoted member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Preston, she was a member of the Martha Circle of women. She was instrumental in getting Girl Scouts established in Preston and was one of the original Girl Scout Leaders in the area.

Dona possessed an unwavering love of animals. She was known to leave milk dishes out for any stray cats in the area. Pets were ever present at the Duhme home and Dona dedicated herself to their happiness and welfare.

Dona enjoyed traveling with Lyle and took many trips to all areas of the country. Many excursions were bus trips – some with surprise destinations. One of these trips was to New York City to see the Twin Towers. This visit was just two weeks prior to the attack on the Twin Towers. She found pleasure and adventure in all of those trips – especially those with historical interest.

Dona was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan enjoying many games in person at Wrigley. She enjoyed bowling league for many years. She loved to dance and spend time nurturing her flowers and yard. Hobbies included collecting coins with her husband, crystal figurines, local antiques and artwork.

Dona was a member of the American Legion Axillary for over 60 years, Jackson County Humane Society, life-time member of the Jackson County Historical Society, North Bend School, and many others who valued local history and interest.

As Dona looked back at a good life, she expressed her gratitude for her many friends and family. She most enjoyed entertaining drop in visitors. Dona was an eternal Optimist. She saw good in everybody and everything. Though she did not have any children of her own, Dona found joy in her nieces, nephews, godchildren, and the children in her extended family.

Dona is survived by her husband, Lyle; sisters, Alene (Ralph) Flor of Sabula, Iowa, Phyllis Henningsen of Bettendorf, Iowa; many nieces and nephews and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Kelly and parents, Marvin and Avelda (Daniels) Meyer.