Donna Belle Duenow Bensend, 83

Donna Belle Duenow Bensend, 83, of Mona, Iowa, died on March 3, 2016 at the Muse Norris Hospice, Mason City, Iowa.

Donna was born July 28, 1932 in Otranto Township, Mitchell County, Iowa to Roy and Bessie (Berg) Duenow. She was baptized and confirmed in the Mona Lutheran Church. She graduated from St. Ansgar, Iowa Senior High School and received her teaching certificate from Iowa Teachers College, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Donna married Dale Bensend on June 3, 1956 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lyle, Minnesota. Donna spent several years teaching primary education. She was a faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she also served as church secretary for many years and was also the church’s first female deacon.

Donna was an avid gardener and enjoyed needlework as was a passionate community advocate and Mona Historian (residing in the former Mona schoolhouse). She also supported local education efforts for both children and adults.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Rob Arnoldy) Bensend of Missouri City, Texas; son, Chris (Andra) Bensend of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; brother, Dene Duenow, St. Ansgar, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was proceeded in death by her: mother, Bessie; father, Roy; brother, Dale; sister, Dorothy; and husband, Dale.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lyle with the Rev. Scott Meyer officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Ia. 641-713-4920. www.schroederandsites.com