Donna J. Stanger

Donna Jean Stanger, age 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Martina Place Assisted Living in Johnston, Iowa.

Donna was born December 14, 1941, in Effingham, Illinois to Donald Ellis Womacks and Frances Pearl (Cox) Womacks.

She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1959
She earned her degree in nursing from Iowa Lutheran Hospital in 1963, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Grandview College.
Nursing RN (CCRN Certification)
Worked in ICU, CCU, and Mercy Recovery Room at Mercy Hospital

She married Mace Reece Stanger. They lived in various states throughout their marriage, Spain while Mace was deployed there, and for a time in Russia from September 1997 to March 2002. While in Russia they worked with the Medical Center Agape, bringing God’s love to the literal ends of the Earth.

She was a member of First Federated Church, Mission Church, Global Outreach Mission, and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)

Donna is survived by her children, Tim Stanger, Ben (Kea) Stanger, Rachelle (Dave) Tesser, and Mark (Heidi) Stanger; grandchildren, Riley, Malachy, Owen and Madeline Stanger, Zachary (Jasmine), Noah, Issac, Chloe and Clara Tesser; Chelsea (Mark) Dressler; siblings, Peg Olson, Shirley (Denny) Godfrey, Paul (Beth) Womacks, Debbie Schmidt, and Deanne Bottenfield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mace in June, 2004

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025. Private family burial will take place Monday morning at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2025, also at Hamilton’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Mission Church in loving memory of Donna.

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