Obituary of Donna Williams

DONNA WILLIAMS Donna Cecilia (Schroer) Williams (61), passed away after a long battle with cancer on April 5, 2018 at her home in Villisca, IA with her family by her side. She was born on October 25, 1956 in Denison, IA to Anthony and Florence Schroer, graduated from Manilla High School in 1975, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Education at Tarkio College, MO. Donna was an excellent athlete, starting on the 1974 Manilla Girls High School basketball team that was state champions, and was the all-time leading scorer for Tarkio College. She was even drafted to play professionally but decided to begin her journey as a school teacher in Villisca in 1979. That is where Donna met Bruce, and they were blessed in holy matrimony in 1982, and had three wonderful kids – Abbey, Joshua, and Aaron. Donna touched more lives than she realized, as she was a grade-school teacher at Villisca and Southwest Valley Schools for 36 years, retiring in 2015. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, enjoyed her time gardening, playing golf, helping her husband and kids on the farm, and coaching multiple student-athletes in cross-country, volleyball and basketball. Her most precious moment was seeing her first grandson Coen grow up in the latter years of her life. She will be remembered for her strong will, passion to help others, tremendous work ethic, and love for her family. She is survived by her husband Bruce, daughter Abbey (Kevin) Mumford of Littleton, CO, Josh (Jillian) Williams of Waukee, IA, Aaron Williams of Villisca, IA, and grandson Coen Mumford. Donna joins her parents Anthony and Florence Schroer in heaven and is survived by her siblings Bob (Theresa) Schroer of Carroll, IA, Marilyn (Don) Porter of Sioux Falls, SD, Joann (Paul) Mell of Norway, IA, Linda (Roger) Prussing of Ida Grove, IA, and countless loving cousins and family members. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Villisca with interment at North Page Cemetery, rural Villisca. Attendance at the family visitation is suggested due to limited seating at the Church. The visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. with the family available from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 at Wolfe Funeral Home, Villisca. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Donna Williams Scholarship Fund. Rosary will be held at 8 pm following the visitation at Wolfe Funeral Home.