Our beloved wife, mom and grandma passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.
Donna was born to Donald and Marilyn Meier on Nov. 29, 1945. She was the second oldest of four siblings: Raejean, Sherryl and Craig, residing and farming in Grand Mound. She graduated from DeWitt Central in 1963, then attended Stewart Schools of Hairstyling in Davenport, embarking on a 46-year career as a hairstylist in Davenport, her home salon in McCausland, and Park View.
She met John, her husband of 62 years – and married on Nov. 1, 1964. A year later they welcomed a son, Jeff, and Jason followed in August 1971. They raised their family in McCausland, becoming integral members of their community through civic involvement and volunteering.
After moving to Park View in 1996, Donna spent the next 30 years on her second passion, gardening. She became a master gardener and a bit of an icon in her community, taking immense pride in creating beautiful green spaces at her home, public spaces and church.
Donna’s pride in family and Christian faith played a central role her entire life, and was a longtime, beloved member of Park View Lutheran Church.
Survivors include her husband John, siblings Raejean (Alfred) Nunes, Sherryl (Bob) Hoggins, Craig (Joanne) Meier, sister-in-law Janet (Gene) Lewis, sons Jeff (Penny) Ploog, Jason (Rena) Ploog, grandchildren; Zachary (Natasha) Ploog, Stephanie (Gregg) Groen, Lindsay (Brian) Pollock, Lauren and Cara Ploog, and several great-grandchildren.
Donna’s visitation will be Friday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Park View Lutheran Church. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 6, at the church, followed by a luncheon.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Donna’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
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