Donna Watke

Donna Mae Watke, 91, of Ute, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

A memorial graveside service will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at St. Clair Cemetery, Ute, Iowa, with Reverend Nathan Peitsch, officiating. A recording of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Donna’s obituary. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Donna Mae was born on December 20, 1933, in Denison, Iowa, the daughter of John and Marie (Neddermeyer) Bretthauer. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ute, Iowa. Donna grew up in Ute and graduated from Charter Oak – Ute High School in 1951.

Donna and James Watke were united in marriage on November 25, 1951, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ute, Iowa. 

She owned and operated the VFW in Ute for many years. Later worked for Barnett Machinery, Occidental Chemical, and retired from being the head cook at Charter Oak – Ute Elementary School.

Donna enjoyed going shopping and going to the casino with her friends. She loved her vacations in California with her family. 

She was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ute, Iowa.

Survivors include her daughter, Tanis (Richard Hageman) Watke of Ute, Iowa; grandchildren, Leah Watke-Schwery of Ute, Iowa, Justin Watke of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kevin Watke of Omaha, Nebraska; great-grandchild, Kellen Anderson of Ute, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Maria Watke; and many other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Watke; sons, Tony Watke, and Terry Watke; grandson, Nickolas Watke; great-granddaughter, Lily Sky Anderson; parents, John and Marie (Neddermeyer) Bretthauer; brother, Warren (Marilyn) Bretthauer; sisters, Fern (Ferris) Ohl, and Gloria (Bob) Ashcraft.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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