Donna Lou (Hansen) Kruckenberg, 84, passed away August 2, 2023, after her third battle with cancer.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, 502 2nd St S, Rockwell, IA, with Pastor Jane Harris officiating. Inurnment will take place in Rockwell Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, 502 2nd St S, Rockwell, IA.
Donna was born November 5, 1938, on her family’s farm outside of Rockwell, she was the youngest of eight children born to Cornelius and Ida (Roggeman) Hansen. Donna graduated from Rockwell High School in 1956 and was crowned Band Queen that same year. On July 23, 1960, Donna married the love of her life, David Kruckenberg, to that union four daughters were born. They traveled with David’s job living several places before settling back down in Rockwell in 1965. Donna worked as a telephone operator then became a bookkeeper for the local elevator until her retirement. She was active in her church and community and kept books for several of the organizations.
Donna enjoyed gardening, bowling, golfing, canning, fishing and camping. She and David enjoyed traveling especially to Chamberlain, SD, Laughlin, NV & Vegas. After her retirement they spent winters in South Padre, TX.
Donna’s favorite thing to do above all was spending time with her family. She loved being with her grandkids and great grandkids who affectionately called her Gigi. She loved to watch them in their sporting, dancing, musical, and cheer events. Gigi’s house always had an open door, fridge, cupboard, etc., her hospitality was remarkable. One of her favorite things these past few years was when family would just walk in grab what they wanted to eat or drink and sit down and visit. A full house was common at grandma’s on weekends and holidays.
Memorable times Donna shared with family included Sunday dinners, holidays, Adventureland family trips, watching Hawkeye games (avid fan), holiday candy making, camping and fishing trips. A favorite annual event was Christmas shopping with just mom and her three girls. This lasted over 20 years and never was a dull moment.
Surviving family members include her three daughters: Jodi (John) Degen, Jeanette (Gary) Sturges of Rockwell, and Dawn (Joe) Heimer of Ankeny; nine grandchildren, TJ Degen, Angela Brady, Natalie Cook, Margo (Tanner) Kockler, Macy Sturges, and Christian, Ben, Alex and Lauren Heimer; nine great grandchildren, Gabrielle, Jayden, Dexter and Elliot Brady; Patrick, Moxley, and Evelynn Cook; Kane and Blair Kockler; three sisters, Deloris Faught, Margie Faught, and Erma Haarup; one brother-in-law and his wife, Donnie and Sharon Kruckenberg; two sisters-in-law, Kathleen Hansen and Lois Borcherding; and many nieces and nephews.
Donna was proceeded in death by her husband David, infant daughter Jean Ann, her parents, as well as her siblings, Donald & Donella (in infancy) Darlene Culver and Cecil Hansen.
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