Obituaries : Donna Leila Stevens

Donna Leila Stevens, 59, of Dysart, formerly of Garrison, Iowa, died peacefully in her sleep at 12:25 p.m. January 22, 2019 after an extended illness. She was born on November 5, 1959 in Vinton, Iowa, to Glenn and Virginia (King) Halstead. Donna attended school in Vinton, Iowa. Her family meant the world to Donna and was a large source of joy in her life. She was blessed with 22 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. and she held his name throughout her life. She loved camping, antiques, baking, Garth Brooks, game shows, spending time with old friends and had inherited the family gene of bargain hunting at garage sales. Donna is survived by her siblings; sister Glenda (Ray) Roe of Ankeny, IA, and brothers Terry (Dixie) Halstead of Independence, MO and Rick (Julie) Halstead of Ashburn, VA; brother-in-law, Bob Gihring of Garrison, IA; sister-in-law, Cindy Halstead of Marshalltown; stepbrother, Gary (Connie) Millard of Vinton: sister in law Cindy Millard of Fort Collins, CO Her children; Jeremy (Stacy) Koopman of Vinton, IA, Michelle (David) Hamilton of Cedar Falls, IA, Merinda (Adam) Stevens-Keller of Pawcatuck, CT, and Matthew Stevens (Tiffany Fritz) of Garrison IA. Her step-children Austin Lucas of Bemidji, MN, and Aleenna (Brian) Naylor-Bruck of Cedar Rapids, IA. Her grandchildren Alan Lovell (29), Jacob (Heather) Lovell (28), Heather (Andy) Bomkamp (23), Lucas Koopman (23), Felicia (Dallas Barkdoll) Pettit (23), Danielle Koopman (20), Mitchell Kramer (20), Austin Wernimont (19), Faith Hamilton (18), Ethan Lucas (18), Tyler Lucas (16), Alesha Brunssen (16), Preston Bruck (15), Elijah Phillips (14), Joseph Koopman (14), Gianna Phillips (13), Nicole Brunssen (13), Kaden Lucas (11) Kassidi Brunssen (10), Evan Lucas (9), Braxstyn Stevens (5), and Adeline Keller (3). Her great-grandchildren Bentley Barkdoll (5), Madison Bomkamp (5), Jayce Lovell (4), Hazel Lovell (3), Henry Lovell (1), Paisley Bomkamp (10 months), and Bracelynn Barkdoll (1 month). Countless cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends mourn her loss. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Don Millard; brother, Kenneth Halstead; sister Jacquelyn Gihring; husband Larry Stevens; stepbrother, Dean Millard; infant nephew, Joseph Gray; and infant niece, Christa Halstead. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Vinton, Iowa for close family and friends to create a private memorial garden in Donna's honor.