Donna L. Olinger, 74, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on July 20, 2026, at home surrounded by family. She was born on October 23, 1951, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Howard Don and Lois Ferrell Burkhart. While in high school, Donna worked as a nurse’s assistant leading her to enroll in nursing school at Indian Hills after graduating from Davis County High in 1969. On December 6, 1969, she married Steven Olinger at the Dunnville Baptist Church in Davis County. The couple lived in Davis County and raised four children: Craig, Nathan, Brian, and Devia.
Donna worked in nursing for 50 years; most of her time was spent at the Davis County Hospital in various roles including surgery, obstetrics, and inpatient care. She also worked for Dr. Sparks for several years and later at MercyOne in Centerville, Iowa for ten years. She retired from nursing in 2019.
In 2002, Donna began preaching as a lay minister in Drakesville. She enrolled in pastoral classes and took over as pastor at the Troy United Methodist Church in 2005. She was also pastor for the Cantril United Methodist Church for several years. Donna was pastor of Troy until 2025.
Donna took ten mission trips to Honduras with many Davis County Christians and was instrumental in starting the “Restock the Flock” program that donated chickens to the residents of Honduras. She spent countless hours raising money and organizing the program for her trips. Steve was able to go nine times with her and the couple enjoyed working together in helping the Hondurans.
Donna loved being a mother and spending time with her family; from yearly trips to Colorado to following her children and grandchildren around for sporting and school events, Donna was always present in their lives. She enjoyed knitting and square dancing. Donna served on the Davis County School Board, the Davis County Hospital Board of Trustees, and was currently a member of the Christ Community Church in Bloomfield.
In 1990, Donna joined the Army Reserves 303rd Hospital Unit out of Kirksville, Missouri. She would serve six years. Although never deployed, Donna was proud to serve her country.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Olinger; four children, Craig Olinger of Drakesville, Nathan (Jennifer) Olinger of Floris, Brian (Kathie) Olinger of Bloomfield, Devia (Cole) Swaim of Drakesville; ten grandchildren, Cienna, Chelsea, Cole, Kaitlyn, Ashlyn, Brayden, Kallen, Jacob, Raylan, Kade; sister, Deb (Matt) Jefferson of Silver Springs, Florida; brother, Bud Burkhart of Silver Springs, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Michael Strawhacker; and a niece, Angela Jefferson-Wood.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Pastors Jacob Sandholm and Kevin Gingerich officiating. Burial will be at the Drakesville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday with the family present to greet friends from 4-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Christ Community Church, Restock the Flock, and Good Samaritan Society Hospice.
