Photo courtesy of Reiff Funeral Home - Cascade
Apr 5, 1930 - Mar 14, 2026
Our condolences to Lois's family. We are friends of Mike. He always spoke so highly of his mother. Mike and Linnie Reiss
Mike Reiss
March 19, 2026 | Dubuque, IA | Friend
Mike, my deepest condolences to you and all of the family.
Becky (Horsfield) Clegg
March 18, 2026 | Clarendon Hills, IL | Friend
Joanne, Judy, and Mike-Prayers for you and the rest of your family with the passing of your mom. She was a Very Special Lady and now she is at peace with your dad. You will always have her memories in your hearts.
Paul and Kathy Manternach
March 18, 2026 | Peosta, IA | Friend
So sorry to hear of Lois’ passing. My condolences to all the family. I have fond memories of Lois. Such a lovely and kind lady. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Sharon Burke Garcia
March 18, 2026 | Pecatonica, IL | Friend
Blessings and condolences to the Donovan family. I have heard many beautiful stories of Lois thru Mike whom I work with. It is never easy to loose a parent. Cherish the memories.
Dianne Thimote
March 17, 2026 | Friend
I met Lois when I worked at shady rest. We would have our morning visits after she got up. I loved her sharing memories about her life and all of you. We shared coffee cake or a Casey’s doughnut for breakfast. We always had to make sure the birds were fed. When it was time to go home Shirley and I would have a quick visit. She was such a wonderful lady. I’m so sorry about her passing but all of you fulfill her life.
Annie Knepper
March 17, 2026 | Worthington, IA | Friend
I've loved hearing Laura share all of her favorite memories of Lois and all the great times they had together. It was so much fun having her at our wedding and we know she'll always be by our side.
Eric and Laura Maiwald
March 16, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Family
We will miss you Lois! You were one of Derek’s favorites!
Kathy Busby
March 16, 2026 | Carrollton, TX | Family
Family has my deepest Sympathy - may she rest in peace.
Joanie Topping
March 16, 2026 | Monticelli, IA
Lois Rose (Kurt) Donovan, 95, formerly of Bernard, IA died Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Accura Healthcare of Cascade.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Reiff Funeral Home, Cascade from 4 pm-7 pm, wake service at 3:30 pm and on Saturday, March 21 from 9 am -10 am at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 am St Patrick’s Church, Garryowen, rural Bernard with Father Mark Osterhaus officiating. Deacon Joe Schockemoel will assist. Following the Mass, burial will be in the church cemetery.
Lois was born on April 5, 1930 to John G and Ella (Moorman) Kurt the 5th child of 12. She was a life-long member of St. Patrick’s Church, Garryowen and the last surviving member of her graduating class at St Patrick’s. She married John C (JC) Donovan on September 29, 1953. JC passed away on June 9, 1990. They welcomed and raised three children, Joanne, Judy and Mike.
After graduation, she worked helping new mothers with their children. After raising her children, she was a short order cook at the Twelve Mile House until its closing and took great pride in her cooking abilities. Afterwards, she provided daycare for a couple of families at her home in Bernard.
Lois loved to take care of her flower beds and gardening, enjoying the outdoors. She loved to cook and bake, always had goodies available for anyone who stopped in for a visit. Her chicken was a favorite treat for all family Christmases.
She is survived by her children, Joanne Gassman, Judy (Merlin) Coyle both of Bernard and Mike Donovan, Cascade. Her pride and joy eight grandchildren, Amy (Mark) Kane, Angie (Steve) Gravel, Tom (Kristi) Coyle, Mike (Gina)Gassman, Lisa (Brad) Boffeli, Jill (Ben) Knepper, Kerri (Blaine) Noonan and Sam Donovan. Step grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Gravel, Maggie (Cody) Kilburg, Jared (Emily) Gravel, and Sadie (Wade) Gerlach. She was blest by 19 great-grandchildren Ella, Emily and Grace Kane, Connor (Cambrie Schute), Caden, Landon and Owen Coyle, Lauren, Cara, Cecelia and Adrienne Boffeli, Carter Gravel, Lucy and Zoe Gassman, Eli, Cade and Mae Knepper, Ridley and Ryder Noonan, step great-grandchildren, Willa, Maggi and Cooper Kilburg, Kollyns Gravel, Lola and Kirby Kilburg. Her brothers and their spouses, Earl and Louetta Kurt, Tom and Rita Kurt and Pete and Mary Jane Kurt, and a special niece and her family, Trish and Artie Driscoll, Laura and Eric Maiwald and Brian and Iliana Driscoll.
She was preceded in death by her husband, son-in-law, Dave Gassman, parents, siblings and their spouses, Germaine and Harlan Bechen, Henry Kurt, Dorrance and Betty Kurt, Charlie and Kit Kurt, Sisters Mary and Bernice Kurt, RSM, Rita and Billy Martin, Jane and Lloyd Steffen and parents in-law, Chris and Liz Donovan, brother and sister in law and their spouses, Arnold and Lucille Donovan and Doris and Lester Manders. Niece and nephews Richard Steffen, Jerry Kurt, Mary Lou Donovan White, and Fred Donovan.
Our family would like to extend our grateful thanks to Sherry Kelchen, the care givers and staff at Accura, and Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care and compassion.
Memorials will be made to St. Patrick Church, Garryowen and the Fire Departments and EMS units of the Bernard and Cascade communities.
Read More
