Donna Elaine McFarland

Donna McFarland, 78, of Van Meter, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on September 23, 1946, in Cushing, Iowa, to Leroy and Opal Bremer. Donna grew up on the family farm just west of town, where she shared a lively childhood with her three brothers and younger sister. She attended school in Cushing from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated in 1964.

As a child, Donna developed a deep love for animals and a flair for creativity-sewing clothes for her dolls and younger sister, and participating in 4-H, where she proudly showed a variety of animals. Her passion for beauty and style led her to the Americana School of Beauty in Des Moines, where fate brought her together with the love of her life, Paul McFarland. They married on January 31, 1968, in Kirksville, Missouri.

Donna and Paul built a life together filled with love, laughter, and family. They welcomed three children: Teri , Tammy ,and Johnny. Donna cherished her role as a stay-at-home mom in the early years before the family moved from Mingo to De Soto. She later began working at Casey's General Store, where her strong work ethic and friendly spirit led her to become store manager. She retired in 2012 after many years of dedicated service. Paul and Donna moved to Van Meter to embark on their retirement adventures.

A true creative at heart, Donna found joy in painting, crafting, and especially sharing those hobbies with her grandchildren. She was incredibly proud of her eight grandchildren and three (soon to be four) great-grandchildren, often doting on them and sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Her beloved dog, Sonny, was a constant and cherished companion.

Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her children: Teri Alger (Stacey †), Tammy Van Pelt (Matthew), and Johnny McFarland (Jessica); her grandchildren: Haylie Johnson (Dakota), Kjirsten Van Pelt, Hannah Burk (Jake), Keslie Van Pelt, Kane McFarland, Allen Van Pelt, Dalten Van Pelt, and Presley McFarland; and great-grandchildren: Kinsley and Kase Burk, and Vivian and Baby Girl Johnson on the way. She is also survived by her siblings: Kenny Bremer (Audrey), Donnie Bremer (Ruth), and Lana Conover (Kevin).

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Opal Bremer; her brother Bobby; her beloved husband, Paul McFarland; and her son-in-law, Stacey Alger.

Though we grieve her passing, we are comforted knowing Donna has been reunited with those she loved in her next journey. Her legacy of love, creativity, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

We are deeply grateful and thankful for the compassionate care that Home Instead, and Wesley Life Hospice provided for our mother during her final journey, making her days more peaceful and comfortable.

Services for Donna will be held on the following dates; The visitation will be on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Adel Chapel. The Funeral Service will be on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 10:30 am, with burial to follow at 12:30 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.

Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a future date.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com