CHARLES CITY — Donna Maxine Hulion, a lifelong Charles City native who spent more than 20 years helping children through the Foster Grandparent Program, died Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Ninth Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. She was 96.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, 1205 South Main Street in Charles City.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City.
Donna was born January 8, 1930, in Charles City, the daughter of Bennie and Clara Brown Hull. She attended Charles City schools and maintained strong ties to the community throughout her life.
She married Willie Hulion on December 30, 1967, in Dallas, Texas. Donna and Willie owned and operated Gurthies Barbeque in Dallas, where she put her talents for cooking and serving others to work.
After returning to Northern Iowa, Donna worked for several years as a waitress and cook at Cedar Parkway in Nashua.
Beginning in 2001, Donna became involved with the Foster Grandparent Program. She proudly devoted more than 20 years to the program, offering children her time, encouragement and caring presence.
Donna was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Away from work and volunteering, she enjoyed searching for antiques, playing cards and caring for her collection of houseplants.
Donna is survived by her children, Jerry Huggins, Jenny Wiltisher and Roy Hulion; grandchildren, Bennie Hull and Mark Hull; many great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Tonia Mohring; friend, Gary Kraus; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willie Hulion, who died December 4, 1992; sons, Gary Lee Hull and Darrel Hulion; four brothers; and three sisters.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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