Donna Fern Wagner, 88, formerly of Coon Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully November 8, 2023 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa, where she resided for the last 7 years. Funeral services will be held at 11am, Monday, November 13, 2023 at the Coon Rapids First United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 10am at the church. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, Coon Rapids.
Donna was born November 18, 1934 in Carroll, Iowa to Beryl V. and Gurtha E. (Brown) Gymer. She graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1952 and attended University of Northern Iowa, with her studies focused on teaching. On September 6, 1953, she was united in marriage to William E. Wagner and they had three children, Diane, Denise and David. They made their home in Coon Rapids, where they farmed for over 30 years. Following William’s death in 1992, Donna moved into town and worked parttime in the pharmacy. In 1998, she married Paul Nicodemus. They lived in Coon Rapids, until moving to Grimes.
Family was very important to Donna and Bill. Besides their three children, they welcomed two foreign exchange students into their home, Christine and Irene. She was very involved with all of her children’s activities, teaching them sewing and cooking and attending school events.
Donna was an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving as a board member and on the board of trustees. She was member of the United Methodist Women and PEO. She served as a 4H leader for over 15 years and enjoyed gardening, playing piano, playing bridge and the friendships made with her Red Hat Ladies and H&H group. She loved to sew and made clothes for her children and grandchildren.
Donna is survived by her children, Diane (Smitty) Smith of Grinnell, Denise Bell of Grimes and David (Carolyn) Wagner of Audubon, Christine Bary of Belgium and Irene Hugli of Switzerland; nine grandchildren, Jeremy Asberry, Angela Asberry, Jason (Tara) Hofbauer, Jenna (Chuck) Harris, Nicholas Bell, Heath (Megan) Wagner, Matracea Wagner (Jonah Bell), Cami Wagner (Jeffrey Eagle) and Stephanie Brandle ; six great grandchildren, Harmony, Alexandra, Kelsey, Della, Annistyn and Malakai; two brothers, Gary (Diane) Gymer and Gordon (Connie) Gymer; sister-in-law, Marcia Gymer as well as several nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Bill and Paul; her brother, Doyle and her son-in-law, Steven Bell.
Memorial contributions may be directed to PEO Chapter DW in Coon Rapids or Coon Rapids United Methodist Church. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. Please go to Donna’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com for the link and to leave online condolences. Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center is handling arrangements.
