BOONE, Iowa—Funeral arrangements have been made for Donna Marie Knutson, 89, of Boone, Iowa passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa.

Donna was born on July 21, 1931 to Mae and Alvin Hummel in Cushing, Iowa. She grew up on a western Iowa dairy farm, became a teacher and married Russell Knutson from Soldier, Iowa on September 9, 1951. A stubborn German, like her father, and nicknamed “Speed”, she was challenged to be the mother of three boys, became the grandmother of five, having met the youngest great-grandchildren (2-year old twins) for the first time shortly before her death.

She lived with her family in Des Moines for many years, retired and built a house in Boone County, where she has been a resident for the last 35 years, attending Augustana Lutheran Church. Donna had a creative flair and indulged in painting, and was an object of perpetual motion, enjoying music, square dancing, quilting, gardening, bird watching, traveling, camping, hiking (including summiting the 14,259 foot Long’s Peak in Colorado), church, current events and taking care of her family which included preparation of their favorite cultural foods, notably lefse (Norwegian potato flat bread) and Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes).

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Mae and Alvin Hummel.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Russell, their three children and their spouses: Richard and Lori Knutson; Steven and Lorrie Knutson; Gary and Peggy Knutson, and a brother Arlo (Pat) Hummel.

A private family memorial service will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.schroederfuneral.com

The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street in Boone is assisting the family with these arrangements.

Donna Marie Knutson, 89, Boone, Iowa