DECORAH – Shirley Ann Donn, 91, of Decorah and formerly of Lawler, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her home surrounded by loved ones.
Friends may greet the family from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 2940 Iowa Highway 24 in Lawler.
A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Tyler Raymond serving as celebrant. Inurnment will take place at a later date. A final resting place was not announced.
Shirley was born March 14, 1935, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, to Leo and Beatrice Julien. Her family relocated to Pasadena, California, in 1952.
While living in California, Shirley met Ronald L. Donn, the man with whom she would build a marriage lasting more than seven decades. They exchanged vows February 13, 1954, in Arcadia, California, and celebrated more than 72 years together.
Faith and family guided Shirley throughout her life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who treasured the time she shared with those closest to her.
An enthusiastic reader, Shirley was rarely without a book nearby. She also enjoyed working through the New York Times crossword puzzle—and believed it should be completed without cheating.
Her talents and interests extended to counted cross-stitch, bridge and cooking. Family and friends will remember the many delicious meals she prepared and the welcoming atmosphere she created around her table.
Travel also brought Shirley considerable happiness. Over the years, she visited nearly every state in the country and traveled throughout Canada and Mexico.
Those carrying forward her memory include her husband, Ronald L. Donn; Leslie Cuvelier and her husband, John; Lisa Donn and Paul Chinn; Laurie Van Loo and her husband, Keith; Linda Dwyer and her husband, Scott; Cassandra Donn and Jeremy Bessire; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard Julien, of Mission Viejo, California; and his family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Carl Donn; great-granddaughter Natalie Rose Kuhn; and great-grandson Elliott Iverson Crain.
In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, memorial contributions may be directed to WinnMed Hospice in Decorah in appreciation for the compassionate care provided to her and her family.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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