Donna L. Stone

Donna Lorraine Stone was born on February 26, 1945, in Denison, Iowa to Warren and Hilda (Rath) Whited. She graduated with the Denison High School Class of 1963.

Donna was first united in marriage to Jimmy Lee Bargenquast, Sr., and together they were blessed with three children: Lisa, Jimmy Jr., and Janea. Later in life, Donna reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Larry Stone. After going their separate ways for a time, they found their way back to each other and were married on December 24, 1982, in Vail, Iowa and Donna welcomed a bonus daughter, Tina. Donna and Larry built a home in the countryside near Vail before eventually settling in Schleswig in 1985.

Throughout her life, Donna worked a variety of jobs, but her greatest joy came from being a homemaker and caring for her grandchildren. After Larry’s retirement, Donna and Larry became avid crappie fishermen, traveling from Florida to Texas, Minnesota, and everywhere in between. Donna was known for her competitive spirit, always trying to out-fish Larry.

She loved traveling, especially going on cruises, tending her flower beds, and spending time outdoors. Most of all, Donna found joy in planning and hosting family gatherings, cherishing every moment spent with those she loved.

Donna passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 80.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Hilda Whited; her infant daughter, Donna Lee Bargenquast; grandson, Austin Martell; great-grandson, Parker Lloyd; and six siblings: Delores, Irene, Arlene, Gale, Judy, and Yolanda.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Larry Stone of Schleswig, IA; her children: Lisa (Ed) Lazarus of Keithville, LA; Jimmy Jr. Bargenquast of Shreveport, LA; Janea (Brian) Martell of Grygla, MN; and Tina (Eric) Adams of Green Forest, AR; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Barnes of Harlan, IA; brother, Jerry Whited of Deloit, IA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A special thank you to Bill and Vonnie Schiltz for always being there to help.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Schleswig Community Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, causes that were close to Donna’s heart. She took great pride in being an organ and tissue donor.