Donna Mae Walker

Donna Mae Walker, born on July 13, 1931, in Pierpont, South Dakota, left this world peacefully on January 21, 2025, at Crawford Memorial Hospital. She was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, known to many as the "Happy Little Song Bird" for her infectious spirit and love of life.

Donna dedicated thirty years to education as a beloved first-grade teacher at Schleswig Community School, where she began her teaching career shortly after obtaining her certification. Her passion for nurturing young minds and her unwavering commitment to her students left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. No child who entered her classroom will forget the joy and warmth she brought to their formative years. Beyond her classroom, she was an active member of the Teacher's Union, advocating for the rights of her fellow educators. Upon her retirement in 2001, she further enriched her passion for teaching by joining the Retired Teachers Association (RTA).

A graduate of Jamaica High School in 1949, Donna further pursued her education at Midwestern College in Denison, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased her talent in the Midwestern Players & Drama Department. She proudly completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Parson's College in 1971. Throughout her life, Donna remained committed to the arts, participating in numerous town plays at Donna Reed Theater and Cronk's Cafe.

Donna was not just an exceptional teacher; she was a pillar of support and encouragement for everyone around her. She truly knew how to live in the moment and delighted in celebrating the successes of others, always the biggest cheerleader in their endeavors. Colleagues and friends fondly recall the yearbook inscription that noted, "Her hair is no more sunny than her heart," a sentiment that rang true throughout her life.

Her love for family was unparalleled—she loved spending time with her loved ones and held legendary holiday feasts that brought everyone together in joy. A lover of animals, Donna made it a priority to support various charities throughout her life. In 2016, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with remarkable strength and resilience, proving to be everyone's rock to lean on during challenging times.

Donna leaves behind her beloved family: her sons David (Grace) Walker of Woodbine, Iowa, and Drew (Tami) Walker of Oswego, Illinois; her daughters Debra (Wayne) Wingert of Denison Iowa, Denise (William) Davis of Kansas City, Missouri; her brother Gary (Glenda) Shaffer of Jessup, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is reunited in eternal peace with her husband Richard Walker; her mother Ardyce Parrott Shaffer; her father Clarence Shaffer; son-in-law Wayne Wingert; son-in-law Bill Davis; her mother-in-law Florence Walker; and her father-in-law Dewey Walker.

A visitation will be held on February 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pauley Jones Funeral Home, located at 1425 Broadway, Denison, IA 51442. A celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 AM on February 8, 2025, at United Presbyterian Church, located at 205 North 24th Street, Denison, IA 51442.

Donna Mae Walker will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, and the joyful spirit she brought into the lives of all who knew her.