Donna Jean Nepstad

Donna Jean Nepstad, 76, daughter of Francis & Catherine ( Russell) Carr, was born March 1, 1949 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa.
In high school she was a 4H member where she learned to cook and sew, earning ribbons at the Iowa State Fair. She graduated from Marshalltown High in 1967 and then attended Marshalltown Community College for 2 years. She was the editor of the student paper at MCC, while pursuing a degree in Journalism. She then transferred to Iowa State University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. While attending Iowa State she enjoyed the many activities of sorority life, through which she met Greg Nepstad. The couple married in April of 1970, in Ames, Iowa. They had two daughters and would later divorce.
Donna was an elementary school teacher for Des Moines Public Schools for approximately 14 years. She then worked for Mercy Clinic in Urbandale from 1984 - 1990 and then for M.C.C. in West Des Moines from 1990 to 1994.
In late 1994 Donna moved to Ames and returned to Iowa State University. She earned her Master's Degree in Family Studies and Human Development in 1998.
Donna moved to Johnston, Iowa in 2000 and resided there until her death.
Donna was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for herself and daughters, which included career wear and prom dresses. She had many hobbies including crafts, painting, reading, gardening, antique collecting, and socializing with friends. She would often crochet hundreds of hats for newborns that were donated to local area hospitals.
Her true passion in life was her family and working with children. Everyone who knew Donna knew how much she adored and loved her grandchildren who referred to her as Grammy.
She is survived by her daughters, Tina ( Curtis) Nepstad - Thornberry of Panora and Hilary (Greg) Nepstad Kallhoff of Panora; four grandchildren Axel & Emma Thornberry, and Gus & Henry Kallhoff; brother Michael ( Leslie) Carr of Spanish Forks, Utah and brother - in - law Elgin Spence of Marshalltown, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beverly Spence and nephew Nathan Carr.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday August 30, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, West Des Moines with visitation from 9:30 A.M.until 10:45 A.M. at the church. Burial will be at 2:30 P.M. in Morrisburg Cemetery rural Stuart.