Donna Dee Gerst, 83, of Hedrick, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Born on January 5, 1943, in Burlington, Iowa, Donna was the daughter of Kenneth E. and Fern E. (Johnson) Breuer. She grew up in rural Burlington and attended Franklin Mills School before graduating from Sperry High School in 1960. She later continued her education at Indian Hills Community College.
Donna married James Gerst on April 8, 1982. She was a devoted homemaker who took great joy in raising her children and nurturing her family. She cherished time spent with her kids and grandchildren, family gatherings, and the simple joys of life. Her faith was a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her life.
Donna is survived by her children: Lori (Todd) Heckenberg of Sperry; Lee Ann Mercer of Ursa, IL; Linette (Kendall) Crouch of Colorado Springs, CO; and Max (Sandra) Loper of Chesterfield, VA.
She is also survived by her siblings: James Breuer of Burlington; Cheryl Cline of Burlington; Richard (Rikki) Breuer of Burlington; and Cindy (Jon) Fye of Sperry.
She is further survived by her son-in-law, Chris Siegrist; stepsons James (Joanne) Gerst, Greg (Kathy) Gerst, Rob (LeMae) Gerst, Jason (Jessica) Gerst, step-daughter-in-law Debbie Gerst, and her sister-in-law, Kathi Breuer; along with 27 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She held special places in her heart for Anne and Kari Beth, who were like daughters to her.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert; and her daughter, Jamie Dee Gerst Siegrist, stepsons Tom Gerst and Doug Gerst.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the Northgate Alliance Church in Ottumwa, Iowa, with Reverend Jim Eschenbrenner officiating. Burial will be at the Brooks Cemetery following the service. Visitation will also be held at the Northgate Alliance Church on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks those wishing to honor Donna to consider a contribution toward funeral and medical expenses.
