Donna Eileen Dea was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on November 1, 1942, to Richard W. and Esther M. (Paul) Dea. She grew up on a farm two miles south of Avoca, Iowa and attended Newtown Country School through 7th grade. She participated in vocal music and played clarinet in the band. Donna graduated from Avo-Ha High School with the Bluebird Class of 1960.
After graduation Donna worked with her dad at the Citizens Savings Bank (MidStates) in Avoca, followed by employment at Omaha National Bank in Omaha, Nebraska. Donna then spent years as a long-haul truck driver, school bus driver, dedicated-run truck driver for ABF, and finally as a breakdown department operator with Crete Carriers. By far her favorite job was traveling the country as a truck driver, and she continued to live her dream by traveling in her Roadtrek after retirement.
Donna had a heart for service. While living in Waverly, Illinois, she spent years volunteering as a Catechism teacher and Cantor for St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church, Girl Scout Leader, member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Girl Scout Camp Director, and she was a member of Waverly’s Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. When Donna returned to her childhood home in Avoca, she was often seen volunteering at Avoca Specialty Care Center, American Legion Bingo, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Donna was always helping others and especially loved helping her friends and neighbors at LaVista Townhouse apartments.
Donna was blessed with two children, Thomas Krohn and Tamara (Garrett) Lott. Her grandchildren’s favorite memories include walks on the farm, long visits, watching movies and working on puzzles.
After surgery for recurring breast cancer in June 2022, Donna’s daughter moved her to Ohio so she could help with her care and so Donna could spend time with her young grandchildren. After three short months, Donna E. Dea died from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Otterbein Loveland SeniorLife Neighborhood in Loveland, Ohio. Her daughter was by her side in the days leading up to her death and held her hand for her final breaths. Donna was 79 years young.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, R.W. and Esther Dea. She leaves behind a son, Thomas W. Krohn of Mary Esther, Florida; daughter, Tamara (Eric) Lott of Loveland, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Jenni and Dustin (Kimberly) Krohn; Kaitlyn, Andrew, Jacob and Brianna Lott; sister Kathleen (Thomas) Pattee, and brother William (Sondra) Dea, both of Avoca, Iowa; dear cousin, Shirley Kuebrich, as well as many more cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 29th at 10:30 a.m. at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa, followed by burial at Graceland Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to lunch and fellowship at the Avoca Veterans Community Center (Legion Hall) immediately following the burial service.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca, or the Newtown-Avoca Historical Society.
