Donna Marie Murken was born on December 10, 1926 in rural Ogden to Clifford and Marie (Moyer) Zunkel. She died on April 18, 2021 at Eastern Star Home in Boone.
Donna grew up on a farm outside Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School. In 1946 she married LaVerne Murken, and they moved to a farm near Gilbert.
Donna started farming with her father while her brother served in the military during WWII, and continued after her marriage with her husband and his family, She drove tractors, tended livestock, gardened, cooked and canned as well as keeping house. She was a farmer, through and through.
Donna and LaVerne enjoyed gatherings with friends and annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada.
In the early 1960s Donna began her retail career with a seasonal job at J.C. Penney's in Ames. She moved on to the Montgomery Ward store, where she worked as Manager of the Ladies' Fashions Department until the store closed in the 1980s. She continued her retail career at the ISU Bookstore and then at Carr Hardware until retiring in 1995. She always worked hard and maintained a positive attitude, regardless of what came her way. She always thought of others first and had a sly sense of humor.
In her later years her family was the joy of her life. She baked their favorite pies whenever they came to visit. She enjoyed watching the great-grandchildren play in the yard while chatting with her grandchildren on the porch. Her favorite pastime was mowing her lawn on her John Deere riding mower.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband LaVerne, her brother LaVern Zunkel and many good friends. She is survived by daughter Linda Murken and son-in-law James Noland of rural Gilbert; granddaughter Maggie Hoffa and husband Jon of Dallas, Texas; grandson Ben Noland and wife Rachel of rural Gilbert, six great-grandchildren, Dylan Hoffa, Carson Hoffa, Ruth Noland, Emma Noland, Abraham Noland and Henry Noland; and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the many physicians and nursing staff who cared for her throughout the years. A special thanks to the staff at Eastern Star Home in Boone for their care and compassion during this difficult year for the residents and their families.
Due to the pandemic, there will not be a visitation. The family will hold a private service at a later date.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
I worked with Donna at the Montgomery Ward store in Ames. Donna was an individual who not only supported her customers but also her colleagues. I’m sorry for your loss.
I was so sorry to read of Donna’s passing. I had not seen her for a number of years, but each time I did I thought she hadn’t changed a lot since we worked together. I was a young mother when I went to work at JC Penney’s. I worked in the basement with Donna, Theda, Sylvia,Pearl and Verla. They gave me good advice. I really enjoyed working with all of them. Donna kinda road herd over the rest of us. We always got our work done and ready for the next day. The customers always liked Donna because they knew she was very knowledgeable. She knew the inventory. She was so helpful to the customers and to me. Always professional. A good teacher. Much appreciated.
So sorry to Linda & family for death of your mom. Her life sounded amazing! Cherish the memories! Hugs & prayers! Lynne Van Valin
Linda and Jim,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and asking God to give you peace and comfort. Donna was such a kind and caring woman. She had a heart full of compassion, a mind full of wisdom, a soul full of faith, and a treasure trove of stories. She will be greatly missed! We thank God for the gift of heaven won by Jesus, and for the peace Donna now knows through Christ, as she is with her Lord in eternal rest.
Pastor Jenks & Donna's fellow members at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ames
a beautfiuly
Linda, We’re so sorry for your loss. This may only mean something to you and a few others, but the last of the SCSC Club is gone. Somebody somewhere needs to give a toast.
Donna used to babysit me as a youngster. I remember building forts out of sheets in her living room. I always got a birthday card from her as a kid. She never forgot; we shared the same birthday.
I was only on one of those Canada fishing trips, but what a great memory. Now only pictures left. I guess the “Hoot and Holler” just got a little louder in heaven with the final reunion.
Doug Anderson
Linda and Jim - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sympathy to you and your families
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts & prayers to you all! Denise Vanpelt
Linda, so sorry for your loss. Sympathy prayers to you and your family. She is in a better place and no pain. Take care. Steve and Vicki Harper
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