Donna M. Cooke

Donna Mae Cooke, 78, died on Friday, March 29, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 8, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, with Rev. Derek Crawford officiating. Inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

A viewing will be held Sunday, April 7, from 2-5 p.m., at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N, Clear Lake.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family in Donna’s memory.

Donna was born on Nov. 21, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Penn., to Raymond and Dolores (Quest) Fjelstad, along with her twin sister, Diane Rae. When Donna was a year and a half old the family moved to Lake Mills, where she attended country school until the third grade.  She graduated from Lake Mills High School in the class of 1963.  Donna was confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.

Donna continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College with her AA Degree and Buena Vista with her Bachelor’s degree in business management, graduating with honors.

Donna was united in marriage on July 22, 1967, to Ronald Dean Cooke Sr., in Clarion; they were blessed with four children.  She owned and operated The Pancake Inn with Ron from 1970-1982, worked for County Assessor’s office from 1982-1994; other jobs included Cole Sewell, McDonald’s, and Kingland, until her retirement.

Donna enjoyed camping, fishing, puzzles, baking Christmas cookies, country music, and learning to play the piano.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Ronald Dean Cooke Jr., Dani (Holly) Cooke, Tami (Marcus) Willy, bonus daughter, Brandy Kaiser; grandchildren, Addyson and Cooper Cooke, Ethan and Kaitlyn Willy, Caleb and Haley Kaiser; siblings, twin sister, Diane Longwell, Thomas (Peggy) Fjelstad, Debra (Terry) Christianson, Timothy (Rachel) Fjelstad; brother-in-law, Clair (Fay) Hengesteg; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Donna is preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; daughter, Rhonda Sue (six months); sister, DeLynne Hengesteg; brother-in-law, Robert Longwell; and special friend, Bill Kezar.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.