Donna Marie Fletcher Leuwerke was born August 4, 1943 in Kingsley, Iowa to Francis and Sophie Stodden, the youngest of seven children. She graduated from Moville High School where she was active in chorus, drama, band, and sports. She was the pitcher for the softball team and was an outstanding basketball player. She also was active in her church, playing the organ and singing for special events. Later on, she organized two choirs and taught religion to youngsters.

Upon graduation from Moville High School, she graduated from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Radiological Technology and furthered her education at the University of South Dakota. Upon completion, she returned to St. Joe Hospital where she was an administrator and teacher of the school for seven years. She retired from a medical malpractice insurance company in 2008.

She won a beauty contest and traveled Iowa to promote National Trucker’s Association, addressing the Iowa House and Senate on the association’s behalf at 19 years of age.

She married her high school sweetheart, Ed Fletcher. They were blessed with two sons and were married for 38 years before Ed preceded her in death.

Donna loved playing sports, but her greatest joy was watching her two sons play football, basketball, baseball, swim team, and golf at which both excelled. Most recently, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren in sports, dancing and drama productions.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and five of her siblings. The monumental loss of her son, Troy and husband, Ed was almost more than she could bear. However, through the support and love of her friends and relatives, she continued on.

Donna married her best friend Denny Leuwerke on October 28, 2007. They spent many joyous years together traveling, attending their grandchildren’s activities, and participating in church activities as well. Donna and Denny were regular attenders of Redeemer Church.

She loved to make people laugh. She performed a comedy act as Phyllis Diller’s sister, which most always brought the house down. She cared deeply for her friends and family and always went the extra mile to help if she could.

Her love of animals, especially dogs was very apparent, as she rescued several over the years. Donna was an avid Cubs, Hawkeyes, and Packers fan.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Denny Leuwerke, her son, Todd Fletcher (Angela), two stepsons, Wade Leuwerke (Lesley), Darren Leuwerke (Sarah). Her 10 grandchildren, Emily Fletcher, Jacob Fletcher, Abigail Fletcher, Laurel Leuwerke, Norah Leuwerke, Carter Leuwerke, Liam Leuwerke, Moira Leuwerke, Ainsley Leuwerke, Scarlet Leuwerke, a player to be named later, and her mother and father-in-law Pete and Doris Leuwerke.

Donna went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2016. She will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be on Tuesday May 10, 2016 from 1 to 2 p.m. at New Bridge Church, 1305 West Jefferson Street, Winterset, Iowa with a service to follow at 2 p.m.

Obituary & photo published by Caldwell-Parrish Funeral Home