Donna Ortgies

Donna Ortgies, 79, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Monday, August 21, 2023, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Donna Lee was born on April 1, 1944, in Creston, Iowa, the daughter of Hollis Russell and Arlene Maxine (Werner) Perrin.  She grew up in Brooks, Iowa, graduated from Corning Community Schools in the Class of 1961.  She and her siblings reminisced through the years about going to the corner country store and what a hostess their mom was with the many meals she prepared for guests.  Donna worked at Beaudine’s Lamp Shade Factory, A+ Designs/Outfitters Plus, and in retirement she dog sat for friends. 

She was united in marriage to Edwin Duane Ortgies on March 18, 1965, at the Brooks Methodist Church in Brooks, Iowa.  The couple enjoyed time together traveling, sometimes just the two of them but at times nieces and nephews would go along.  They didn’t limit themselves to the Midwest, the whole United States was their playground and most often they stopped for historical sites or neighborhoods and touring mansions.  When they took off on day trips, most of the time there wasn’t a specific destination in mind, they just meandered wherever the road led. 

Donna was an avid reader and looked forward to keeping up with her roots in the Corning Alumni Newsletter.  “The Girls Trips” were the source of much hilarity and precious memories were made on those adventures with closest friends, Sherri and Annie.    Her sense of humor ran deep and one of the things that taunted others was that she would never disclose her age; the very fact that it is listed in this writeup is likely causing a gasp and a chuckle for a number of her friends.  She would want you to laugh!

Donna was content in a simple life; loving her family, her dogs, her church and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Donna started attending what is now Hillside Hope Assembly in January of 1983, and especially enjoyed the music in worship whether it be just singing along or leading the congregation.  The song on her heart overflowed often and it was common to come upon her making a joyful noise at home when she thought she was by herself or even to start a song when among friends.  She was dedicated to her faith and had reminders all over her home; it wasn’t a surprise to open a drawer or cabinet and find those reminders, often in the form of a cross. 

Donna’s sweet spirit and sense of humor will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years, Ed; brother, Donald (Judy) Perrin of Brooks, IA; brother-in-law, Tim (Kim) Ortgies of Atlantic, IA; sister-in-law, Mary (Rol) Platte of Omaha, NE; nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Hollis and Velda Perrin; mother, Arlene Blackburn; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy “Dort” (Daniel) Anderson; and brother-in-law, Eldon Ortgies.

Open visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday, August 28^th at Roland Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 29^th at Roland Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery following a time of refreshments and fellowship at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Atlantic Public Library and the Atlantic Animal Shelter.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Donna's family and her arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.