Donna Whannel

Donna F. Whannel, 84, of Grinnell, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Southridge Specialty Care in Marshalltown, where she had resided. Per the wishes of Donna and her family, cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside service will take place on Tuesday, November 24 at 12:00 P.M. at Graceland Cemetery in Laurel. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.  Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Donna and her family.  For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Donna was born October 15, 1936 at home in Jasper County to parents William and Elsie (Foster) Erwin.  She went to school in Laurel and graduated with the class of 1955. She married James Pinkerton and together they had two sons before his unexpected passing in 1963.  On October 6, 1999, she was united in marriage to John Whannel in Grinnell. She worked at the Grinnell Hospital as a cook and spent over 10 years providing home care for the Durbin family.  Donna was always on the go and in her free time, she loved to play bingo and slots. She enjoyed reading and watching WWF wrestling on Monday nights. Left to cherish her memory is her son: James Pinkerton of Fort Dodge; her favorite daughter-in-law, Lisa Pinkerton of Grinnell; five grandchildren: Ashley Titus, Skyler Pinkerton, Brianna (Mitch) Ziebol, Corey (Casey) Puls and Dustin (Brittany) Puls; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; her brother, Charles Erwin of Marshalltown, sister-in-law, Irene Oetker Erwin and her special friend, Hattie Durbin. Donna is preceded in death by her first husband, James Pinkerton; second husband, John Whannel; her son, Randy Pinkerton; great-grandson, Tanin Puls; her parents; her siblings: Tom Erwin of Newton, Clair (Dorothy) Erwin of Marshalltown and Darlene (Kermit) Cross of Marshalltown and her sister-in-law, Joan Erwin.