DONNA C. HEATHMAN

ROLFE — Donna C. Heathman, age 81, of Rolfe, passed away Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Rolfe Care Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008, at the Shared Ministry of Rolfe, with Pastor Charles Miller officiating. Burial is in Clinton-Garfield Cemetery near Rolfe. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at the Powers Funeral Home, Rolfe.

Donna Carol Nielsen was born December 27, 1926, at Rolfe, Iowa. She was the daughter of H. J. “Johnny” and Carol (Fargo) Nielsen. She graduated from Bradgate High School and attended business college in Mankato, MN. On August 21, 1948, Donna was united in marriage to C. Orval Heathman at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. The couple settled near Rolfe where they farmed together until his death in 1988. She enjoyed working at various jobs, operating the Sunnybrook Cafe in Rolfe and raising her chinchillas.

Donna was a member of the Shared Ministry of Rolfe and had been an active member of the Rolfe Presbyterian Church including superintendent of the Primary Department, Sunday School teacher, various offices in the Presbyterian Women’s Organization and choir director for several years. As a young woman she enjoyed playing piano with her father in his dance band. Gardening, going with her friends on the gambling bus and her family were her other special pleasures.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Don) VanGorkom and Denny (Nancy) Heathman all of Rolfe; four grandchildren, Michelle (Corey) Mireau of Eden Prairie, MN; Dave (Danelle) VanGorkom of Loveland, CO; Angela Heathman of Oak Park, IL; and Clayton Heathman of Rolfe; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Bev Fosnot of Mallard and Mary (Kermit) Shimon of Rolfe and a brother, John (Doris) Nielsen of Rolfe. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Orval.