Donna Lou Muller

Donna Lou Muller, 93, of Waterloo, formerly of Grundy Center, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at home while under the care of UnityPoint Hospice with family at her side. A visitation will be held Sunday, November 5th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Abels Funeral & Cremation Service - Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center. A funeral service will be held Monday, November 6th at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Donna was born on July 22, 1930, in Sheffield, Iowa, to her parents, Harm and Cleo Van Horn. She was raised in Parkersburg. She was united in marriage to Raymond Muller on August 31, 1948, at Colfax Presbyterian Church in Holland, Iowa. They resided in the rural Reinbeck area where they farmed until 1981, when they retired from farming and moved to Grundy Center. From 1981 to 1997, they were joint custodians at the Grundy County Courthouse.

Donna was an avid cook and known especially for her love of making delicious pies. She was also a collector of many types of dolls, as well as bells, of which she amasses a collection of over 500 various types of bells from antique to state souvenirs to holiday bells. She was known for sharing her collection for displays at the courthouse. Donna also loved gardening and preserving foods, but her biggest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Donna and her husband, Ray, were also devoted members of Bethany Presbyterian church for many years.

Donna is survived by her three children, Darlene (John) Kostohryz of Cresco, Joyce (Paul Rottinghaus) Hartke of Waterloo, and Wendel (Delane) Muller of Nashua; 3 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many other friends and family.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, of 66 years; her parents Harm and Cleo Van Horn; 3 sisters, Lois Syhlman, Mabel Spieker, and Darlene Van Horn; 4 brothers, Jim Van Horn, Richard Van Horn, Melvin Van Horn, and Larry Van Horn; and one grandson, Jason Davis.

Memorials may be directed to the family, which will be used for creating a memorial in Donna’s memory.