Dona Jean Brusnahan was born September 1, 1924, on a rented farm in Saline County, NE, to John and Nellie (Real) Brusnahan. She attended country school and was a cheerleader in high school. Graduating in 1942, Dona moved to Lincoln, NE, where she lived with her brother, Norman, and worked for the telephone company. One evening Norman brought a friend, Earl Olson, home for dinner. Dona didn’t recall being terribly impressed; she thought he ate a lot. But home cooking won out and they were married in 1952. They settled in Marshalltown, and having love to give, adopted Marianne and then Tom, who had wonderful Marshalltown childhoods. It is a great privilege to have been raised by these children of the Depression and of World War II. Dona was involved in many organizations in Marshalltown; she and Earl traveled, and, even though born a Cornhusker, came to see the light and became a loyal Cyclone. Dona remained a St. Louis Cardinal fan, often reminiscing about sitting on the farmhouse porch in the evening listening to baseball with her father.

Dona is preceded in death by her husband, Earl, her parents and sister LaVerne Brusnahan Kalin.

She leaves her brother, Norman; several nieces and nephews; her children Marianne, Tom and wife Kristy; her grandson, Matthew and wife Julie; and great grandchildren Wesley, Fisher and Aria Graesch.

The family would like to thank her many friends, and especially the caring staff of Bickford House and of Iowa River Hospice. Please direct memorials to St. Henry’s Parish, the Grimes Farm and Conservation Center or Marshalltown Tree Restoration Fund.