Donna Schmarzo

Donna Mae, daughter of Fred and Gladys (Bauer) Simon, was born February 12, 1926, at New Salem, North Dakota. Her family moved to St. Ansgar, Iowa before settling in Osage where she graduated from high school in 1944. Donna worked in a flower nursery for a short time before taking a position with Northwestern Bell in Osage. It was at this time that Donna met Gordon Schmarzo at Pohle’s Drug Store in Osage.

   On June 1, 1952, Donna was united in marriage with Gordon Schmarzo at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. Three daughters were born to this union. The family made their home in Osage and Sioux City before settling in Manning in 1974. Donna was a stay at home mom and was an excellent cook and baker, well known for her sugar cookies. No one ever went away hungry from Donna’s home. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, knitting and quilting. Donna was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Zion Lutheran Church, serving with the Altar Guild, Funeral Committee and Vacation Bible School.

   On Monday, March 2, 2020, Donna passed away at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning Iowa. She was 94 years and 19 days of age.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Jean Kienast; and a grandson Matthew Hegg.

   Donna is survived by her husband Gordon Schmarzo of Manning; three daughters: Jan and husband Don Henkelman of Dow City; Kara and husband Tom Blenderman of Sioux City; and Jill Warner of Aurora, Colorado; six grandchildren: Krista Gevik, Melissa Riesberg, Jennifer Albert, Mindy Andersen, Jacob Warner and Joseph Warner; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister Sylvia Kelly of Story City; and by nieces, nephews,  other relatives and friends.

Donna died Monday, March 2, 2020 at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning.  She is survived by her husband Gordon Schmarzo of Manning; 3 daughters:  Jan and husband Don Henkelman of Dow City; Kara and husband Tom Blenderman of Sioux City; Jill Warner of Aurora, CO; numerous grandchildren; sister Silvia Kelly of Story City; other relatives and friends. 

Funeral Service

Friday, March 6, 2020 ~ 10:30 AM

Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa

Officiating

Reverend Jonathan Conner

Congregational Hymns

“Lift High The Cross”   “How Great Thou Art”  

“The Church’s One Foundation”     Carlys Stribe, Organist

Casket Bearers

Jacob Warner     Joseph Warner     Trey Albert

Eric Albert     Gavin Andersen     Tyler Riesberg

Interment

Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa