Donna Dufel

Donna Mae Dufel

June 4, 1935-December 21, 2024

Donna Mae Dufel, 89, of Hudson, Iowa, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 21, 2024, of natural causes at her home. She was born June 4, 1935, in Cedar Falls, the daughter of Clarence and Susan (Andorf) Gutknecht. Donna graduated from Dike High School with the Class of 1953. She married Jerry F. Dufel on January 6, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hudson. In addition to working at the Oak Leaf Country Club, she and Jerry farmed for 50 years, retiring in 1996.

Donna had a green thumb and always had beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She and Jerry were very proud to have lived for many years in the house originally built by her father and mother-in-law. Donna was one of the best cooks around and enjoyed sharing this gift with family, friends and neighbors. Fishing trips to Waterville, Minnesota and Creston, Iowa were the foundation of many fond memories and stories. Donna also liked to play cards with family and her weekly card group. She was very social and never met a stranger wherever she went. Above all, Donna treasured time with her family and was very honored to have her great-granddaughter, Harper Mae share her middle name.

Donna is survived by her son, Craig (Janet) Dufel, of Hudson; grandchildren: Brad (Cassie) Dufel, Josh (Brooke) Decker, Nick (Jenni) Decker and Angie (Chris) McDaniel; great grandchildren: Harper and Mason Dufel, Aubrey, Adeline & Cora Decker, Chase, Natalie & Matthew Decker and Sidney & Simon McDaniel; her brother-in-law, Roy Dufel, of Traer; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law, Martin and Mildred Dufel; siblings: Doris (Dale) Clark, Alice (Edward) Brandhorst, William (Thelma) Gutknecht and Mary (Leonard) Bauer; and sister-in-law, Pat Dufel.

Donna’s Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church with Burial to follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, both of rural Hudson. Visitation will be the evening prior from 4 – 6:00 pm at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls and one-hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial to Donna’s lifelong church, Zion Lutheran Church.