Our beloved wife, mom and grandma passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Donna was born to Donald and Marilyn Meier on November 29, 1945. She was the second oldest of four siblings; Raejean, Sherryl and Craig. Donna’s formative years were spent on the family farm in Grand Mound – for which she was very fond of – enjoying Sunday’s with her family, dancing to Elvis in the living room, and creating life-long relationships with her friends and relatives in the area. She graduated from DeWitt Central in 1963, then attended Stewart Schools of Hairstyling in Davenport. embarking on a 46 year career as a hairstylist in Davenport, her home salon in McCausland, and Park View. She was extremely proud of her career, both in the quality of her work and the loyal relationships she created.

She met John, her husband of 62 years – and married on November 1, 1964. A year later they welcomed a son, Jeff, and Jason followed in August 1971. They raised their family in McCausland, becoming integral community members through civic involvement and volunteering. Time was spent keeping her home and yard immaculate – which was somewhat of a feat with two boys who loved dirt and a plumber – becoming somewhat permanently connected to a vacuum cleaner. She loved to feed her family, baking and cooking constantly, keeping us full and happy. She also had an immense love for the summer – sunning on the patio, planting and gardening, mowing (yes, we said mowing) and most of all, tending to all things that meant so much to her – family.

As her family grew it was obvious that she was meant to be a grandma. She doted on and immensely loved all of her grandkids, spending as much time as possible with them and being present.

Upon moving to Park View in 1996, Donna spent the next 30 years on her second passion, landscape gardening. She became a master gardener and a bit of an icon in her community. Her gardening has provided so much pride and joy through spaces so beautiful that strangers would stop to admire her work. It meant so much for her to be included in community garden walks and be recognized for her time and effort. Never one to shy away from getting dirty, she donated countless hours to public spaces by her home and her church. These initiatives brought an extended sense of community and immense beauty to their surroundings. Donna also taught summer gardening to underserved children in Davenport for several years.

Donna’s Christian faith played a central role her entire life, and was a longtime, beloved member of Park View Lutheran church. She loved to support her church community.

Donna spent her later years staying busy, enjoying lunches with cousins, too many card clubs to name, and being there for each other. She truly loved and took pride in those she loved; family, friends and community.

She is survived by her husband John, siblings Raejean (Alfred) Nunes, Sherryl (Bob) Hoggins, Craig (Joanne) Meier, sister-in-law Janet (Gene) Lewis, sons Jeff (Penny) Ploog, Jason (Rena) Ploog, grandchildren; Zachary (Natasha) Ploog, Stephanie (Gregg) Groen, Lindsay (Brian) Pollock, Lauren and Cara Ploog, and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law John D. Ploog, mother Marilyn, father Donald, brother-in-law Gene, brother-in-law Alfred, and mother-in-law Hazel.

Donna’s visitation will be Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Park View Lutheran Church. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the church followed by a luncheon.

Memorials may be made to Park View Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Donna’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.