Donia Wilson

Donia Eudocia Wilson died quietly Wed. December 3rd at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center as a result of a stroke. Donia was 94. A memorial service by the family will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown at 6 PM, Monday, December 8th. Donia was born on a homestead near the town of Chatfield, Manitoba, Canada on January 29, 1920. Donia was the youngest child of Mike and Pauline Kolopenuk, immigrants to Canada from Ukraine. She was brought to Chicago by her older brother, Bill where she attended business college and worked as a secretary. She met her future husband, Don Wilson at a dance in Chicago at the famous Aragon Ballroom. Don & Donia were married in Chicago and then lived and raised their family in Marshalltown, Iowa. Donia was the mother of three children, Sharon (Chick) Stults-Washington Island, WI, Harold (Tashya)-Honolulu, HI, and David Wilson of Marshalltown. Donia is survived by her husband Don, her three children, 6 grandchildren: Josh (Laura) Stults-Los Gatos, CA, Mike (Jenny) Stults-Washington Island, WI, Aaron, Amber, Bliss and Angelina Wilson and 3 great-grandchildren: Caitlin, Alexis and Danielle Stults. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers: Mykyta, John, Steve, Bill, Peter, and Nicolas Kolopenuk, and sisters: Ann Kolopenuk, Mary (Pete) Kawka, and Kay (Nick) Fedorak. Donia was an accomplished artist and home maker. She also was an avid gardener. Donia enjoyed many years in the local Britannia club due to her Canadian British Commonwealth birth. She and her husband Don were also longtime active members in the First Presbyterian Church. She and her husband Don traveled the world for many years during their retirement and always enjoyed sharing anecdotes from their many adventures. She was known for her joyful smile and sense of humor. She was an unselfish and thoughtful person who modeled well her Christian faith. Even in her 90's, she and Don enjoyed taking their turn serving food at The House of Compassion. For the last 2 1/2 years, she and her husband have been residents of The Embers. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.