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Donna Jean Spratt, 91 of Greene, remembered for caring heart, remarkable garden and devotion to family

GREENE — Donna Jean Spratt, 91, of Greene, a longtime caregiver, devoted mother and grandmother, avid gardener and active member of her community, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 324 E. Traer St. in Greene. A public visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, August 10, at Woodley Funeral Home, 519 N. First St. in Greene.
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GREENE — Donna Jean Spratt, 91, of Greene, a longtime caregiver, devoted mother and grandmother, avid gardener and active member of her community, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 324 E. Traer St. in Greene. A public visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, August 10, at Woodley Funeral Home, 519 N. First St. in Greene.

No burial or final resting place was listed in the published service information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Donna’s family for a purpose to be determined later.

Donna was born December 6, 1934, on the family farm to Peter and Ella (Voigts) Jacobs. She attended Clear Water Country School and later earned her GED before continuing her education to become a certified nursing assistant.

She put that training to work caring for others for many years at the Allison Rehabilitation Center, establishing a career rooted in helping people.

Donna married Jim Spratt on September 2, 1956. Together they raised five children — Jim, Kelly, Scott, Robin and Tom — and built a family that grew to include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gardening became one of Donna’s great passions, and she pursued it on an impressive scale.

She transformed approximately two and a half acres into garden space and at times tended more than 250 tomato plants. Her strawberry crop could be equally impressive, producing enough fruit to fill the bed of a pickup.

Her children were frequently recruited when weeds needed pulling or produce was ready for harvest, creating family memories alongside the considerable work required to maintain such a large garden.

Donna especially cherished her grandchildren and enjoyed opportunities to take them fishing and spend time together. Those outings became treasured memories for both Donna and the younger generations of her family.

She also enjoyed sewing and rarely passed up an opportunity to gather with her sewing club.

Sunday mornings brought another favorite tradition: coffee with friends. Donna was known for bringing along her homemade banana bread, which became a popular part of those gatherings.

Faith and church life were important to Donna as well. She was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene and remained connected to the community around her throughout her life.

Those carrying on Donna’s memory include her children, Jim (Lori) Spratt, Kelly (Terry) Zurcher, Scott (Darla) Spratt, Robin (Michael) Ralls and Tom (Nanette) Spratt; Michael (Barb) Jacobs; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Janet (Blair) Adams; extended family members; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents Peter and Ella Jacobs; parents-in-law Richard and Esther Spratt; grandchildren Matt and Joe; great-grandchildren Tommy and Elisabeth; and several siblings and other relatives.

Woodley Funeral Home of Greene is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.


If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.

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