Nancy Irene Donlon

Nancy Irene Donlon, born on July 15, 1934, lived to celebrate her 90th birthday. She passed away on August 27, 2024. Nancy was born to Henry and Lucinda (Shepard/Kinsley) Coobs and grew up on a farm outside McGregor, Iowa. She graduated from Monona High School.

Nancy married Joseph Donlon on October 1, 1952 and raised their five children on a farm near Luana, Iowa. She was always active on the farm, driving tractors, tending the livestock, canning, and baking. She could spot a wild asparagus patch from miles away. Nancy was skilled at sewing and quilting, and leaves behind a treasury of hand-sewn Christmas ornaments and quilts. She thoroughly enjoyed bingo, card games, soap operas, gambling, camping, family gatherings, 4-H, and judging at the fair. Her most treasured time was spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for whom she made countless smoothies (aka concoctions) and shared her hidden candy stash.

Nancy loved the outdoors and had a keen understanding of animals and nature. Pets and farm animals were her friends, showing many prize-winning hogs at the Clayton County Fair. She was most comfortable in her blue jeans and flannel shirts, and liked to stay on the fringes of a crowd. Nancy was one of the most thrifty and resourceful people you could ever come across, recycling, reusing, and repurposing everything. She had life-hacks for everything from how-to-buckle-your-seatbelt to saving time with the microwave.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, brother (John Coobs), sister (Jessie Tornowske), and grandson (Seth Donlon). She leaves behind her husband, children James (Greta) Donlon, Elizabeth (the late Karl) Goodfellow, Dan (Maryann) Donlon, Janet (Frank) Livingood, Tim (Lisa) Donlon, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Luana, Iowa with Rev. Jeremy Wolfe as the officiant. There will be a visitation from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.

Inurnment will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McGregor, Iowa following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Froelich Foundation, 24397 Froelich Road, McGregor, Iowa 52157.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with services.

Click here to visit the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home website.