Donna M. Iverson

Donna Mae Iverson, age 87, formerly of Buhl, Idaho, passed away on Tuesday January 31, 2017, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center. Donna was a resident of Oak Creek Rehabilitation Center in Kimberly, Idaho at the time of her passing. She also resided for several years at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Twin Falls, Id. and was formerly a long time resident of Buhl, Idaho.  

Born May 2, 1929 in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Donna was the daughter of Claus and Marie (Peterson) Evers. Donna was one of ten biological siblings: brothers Claus Jr., Theodore, and Herman Evers, and sisters Margaret Iverson, Mary Ranweiler, Inez Ludewig, Dorothy Rockvam, Jennie Sellner, and Arlene Ebelsisor. Donna also had 3 step-brothers, Joe, Fritz, and Hans Evers.

Donna spent 11 years living with relatives in Idaho before returning to New Ulm, Minnesota, where she attended school.  After the end of WWII, Donna met, brothers, Edwin and Marvin Iverson. Donna dated Edwin, and Donna's sister, Margaret, dated Marvin Iverson. Donna married Edwin Iverson in June 1946. Marvin and Margaret were also married in 1946. Donna and Edwin shared four children together.

After they were married, Edwin and Donna resided in Wadena, MN. Edwin drove a gasoline tanker truck, and Donna had their first born child, a son, Wayne. Shortly after, the family relocated to New Ulm, MN., where Donna had their second child, a daughter, Naydene. After they moved to Sanborn, MN.,they opened a cafe- style restaurant and boarding house. Donna was a waitress and helped to manage the boarding house. After some time running their restaurant, the family moved back to New Ulm to take advantage of better business opportunities. In New Ulm, they opened the Dine-a-Mite Cafe. The cafe was a favorite stop for the local high school crowd. It became known as the "Home of the Whole Cow Burger". They owned and managed the cafe for several years. Donna also had two more children, their son, Bryan, and daughter, Luann. After leaving the cafe business, both Donna and Edwin worked for Tony Down's Food Processing Plant.

In 1961, after having spent summer vacations in Idaho, the couple decided to relocate to Buhl, Idaho where Donna had spent a lot of time as a child. In Idaho, Donna had various waitressing jobs, and then started work at Idaho Frozen Foods, where she eventually retired after 25 years of employment. Edwin went to work for Pet Milk, until his retirement. Together, the couple had small side businesses, also. They often took on residential painting jobs and repairs during the warmer months. They also started a Live Bait business. They would supply and deliver live bait cups to many bait stores and convenience stores throughout Southern Idaho. The business expanded once the couple was retired.

After retirement, Donna enjoyed traveling with her husband, and spent many winters in Arizona and Mexico. Donna also enjoyed camping, fishing, tending to all of her beautiful flowers, listening to polka music (and dancing with Edwin), playing cards and BINGO, crocheting, flea market treasure hunting, word search puzzles, spending time with her 8 active grandchildren, her little dogs, cooking (especially pea salad, sauerkraut, and goulash!) for her family, and keeping all of her relatives in Minnesota current on all of the Idaho relatives and their activities.

Donna is survived by one brother, Herman Evers; two sons, Wayne (Mary) Iverson, and Bryan (Nancy) Iverson; one daughter, Naydene (F.T.) Freestone; eight grandchildren, Teresa Clancy, Amy Prestin, Mark Iverson, Sayrd Iverson, Skylar and Cordell Iverson, Megan Bernd, Matthew Freestone; eleven great grandchildren, Austin and McKenzie Clancy, Karter, Karson, and Taytom Prestin, Brinley and Braylin Iverson, Vosh Mellos, Rook Iverson, Asher and Adalyn Bernd.

Donna is preceded in death by daughter, Luann Iverson; husband, Edwin Iverson; daughter-in-law, Mary Iverson; parents, Claus and Marie Evers; brothers, Claus Jr., Theodore, and infant brother, Herman Evers; sisters, Margaret Iverson, Jennie Sellner, Dorothy Rockvam, Arlene Ebelsisor, Inez Ludewig, and Mary Ranweiler; step-brothers, Joe, Fritz, and Hans Evers.  

A viewing will by held on February 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., and a funeral service on February 10, at 11:00 a.m. both at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, Twin Falls, ID. Services will conclude with burial at the Buhl West End Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho. The family requests in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to Hospice Visions, Inc. 1770 Parkview Drive, Twin Falls, Id 83301.

Those who wish may share memories and condolences on her memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.