Donna Kay Wahls Zieman

Donna Kay Wahls Zieman, age 77, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at the Zieman home in rural Luana, Iowa. She was born on April 30, 1947, the daughter of Laraldo and Geneva Wahls. Donna married Nile Zieman on December 4, 1966, and shortly thereafter, they settled in Grand Meadow Township in Clayton County, where they began their life together on the farm. Three children were born to this union: Charmion (Rory), Sherman (Becky), and Lanny (Sheena). Donna and Nile worked the farm, dairy farming, raising hogs, and later breeding dogs. Throughout her life, Donna exemplified the values of hard work and dedication to her family and extended farm family, including special neighbors Eric and Tina Meyer and family. In addition to her farm duties, she earned a degree from Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Upper Iowa University. Donna had many passions beyond farming. She was an excellent baker and a fine seamstress, loved fishing and berry picking, and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She treasured the time spent spoiling her grandchildren with food and fun. Nile and she also enjoyed many travel adventures by air, cruise ship, and semi. Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Nile; her children, Charmion (Rory), Sherman (Becky), and Lanny (Sheena); and her grandchildren, Foster Mohning, Adalia Mohning, Zander Zieman, Zayden Zieman, Lillian Zieman, and JR Zieman. She is also survived by her brother Allen (Ellen), brother-in-laws James Zieman and John Zieman, and sister-in-law, Sue Miro, several nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom will deeply miss her zany sense of humor and her holiday treats. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Heart Animal Rescue or the Clayton County Food Shelf in Donna's memory. Donna's kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.