Donna Claire Mullen

Donna Claire, daughter of Leo and Claire (Mullen) Terwilleger, was born May 10, 1925 at home in Defiance, Iowa. She attended school in Defiance, graduating from St. Peter's High School in Defiance. She started working at a bank in Denison immediately after graduation. She met her future husband while working in Denison. On April 13, 1953, Donna was united in marriage with Emmett Mullen at Defiance. Emmett and Donna made their home in Manning and were the parents of three children. They purchased Johnsons' Shoe Store and renamed it the Manning Bootery. Donna helped in the store but was primarily a mother and homemaker. In the mid 1980s Emmett became an insurance agent and Donna shared in operating the shoe store for its final years. Donna was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and Altar Society and served on the Library Board for many years. She enjoyed golfing on women's night and her bowling league. She created many counted cross stitch pieces. She played Bingo and enjoyed antiquing with her friends. Donna collected Hummel figurines and found pleasure in reading throughout her life. Above all she enjoyed spending time visiting with her family, especially her grandchildren. In January of 2006, after the death of her husband in 2005, Donna made the decision to move from her longtime home to the Anthony Apartments. When her health began to fail, Donna became a resident of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home in February 2011. She died at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center on Saturday, August 6, 2011, at the age of 86 years, 2 months and 27 days. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. Donna is survived by her three children: Thea and husband Tom Weinandt of Omaha, NE; Marty Mullen and wife Sue of San Diego, CA; Rourke Mullen and wife Stacie of Manning; eight grandchildren: Abby Johnson, T.J. and Zach Weinandt; Michael and Matthew Mullen and Jenna, Hanna, McKenna and Jack Mullen; great granddaughter Jacie Johnson: brother Bob Terwilleger and wife Marlene of Omaha, NE; two sisters in law Nadine Robetor of Las Vegas, NV and Noreen and husband John Frenking of Omaha, NE; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.