Donna M. Olsem

Donna was born on her family’s farm October 23, 1932 near Indianola, IA. Donna was the oldest of three daughters for Dean and Catherine (Beltz) Moore. The land that she grew up on and worked right beside her father, was originally settled by a pioneering family. The farm house where she lived was about 50 yards from the Conestoga wagon that carried the settlers across the prairie, and 25 yards from the original log cabin that was built to house them. Life was harsh for Donna, and as there were no sons, Donna became Dean’s right hand “person”. She plowed the ground, helped feed the cattle, hogs and chickens as well as slaughter them. During the very cold and snowy winters, Donna and her two sisters, Delores and Dorothy, went to school on horseback, or sometimes on foot. She graduated from Spring Hill Consolidated High School and went to find her future. Donna became a secretary and as a young woman, she loved to go to USO dances in Denver with her friends where they would have fun with the Air Force personnel. It was at one of those functions that she met Robert Olsem, a supply clerk for the local Air Force Base. Robert swept her off her feet and on January 16, 1953, he married her. This was a marriage for the ages, which would last over 71 years! Robert was born and raised in California and when their first son Michael was on the way, they moved closer to his family and March Air Force base. A year and a half later, Stephen was born followed quickly by Catherine a year later.

Donna plied her skills as an accomplished secretary while Bob went to Drake University to earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching, then later, a master’s degree to become a principal. Donna was a full-time secretary, yet always found time to cook, clean, wash clothes and take care of her babies. Money was scarce but love was plentiful. Somehow, she managed to raise four kids (yes, Kimberly was born while she lived on Watrous avenue in Des Moines) and moved several times to appease both the parents in California and Iowa.

After the kids grew up and out, Donna and Bob left to try different careers in different states, like Texas. Donna became a co-manager with Bob at a motel and that became their Texas adventure. It really didn’t matter where they lived or what they did, because they did it together. Bob was the serious responsible manager type and Donna was the light hearted, find a new friend everywhere kind of person. When Donna walked in, the room lit up and no matter who you were, you were family!

It wasn’t really until the last 6 months of her life that Donna and Bob started having health problems. What Donna hated most was time spent in hospitals and rehab away from her husband. So, it came as no surprise that when she became ill while they were in the apartment together, even though paramedics were called, Donna passed with Bob by her side. Donna died as she had lived, on her own terms.

Donna Marie Olsem, 91, passed away September 14, 2024. Donna is survived by her husband, Robert; four children, Michael, Stephen, Catherine, and Kimberly; 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren! She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Delores and Dorothy.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines with visitation from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at McLaren’s. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.