Donna Marie Pratt

Donna Marie Pratt, 90, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023 from congestive heart failure and related complications. She was born at home on May 6th, 1933 in Keota, Iowa.

Donna graduated from Sigourney High School, where she was a cheerleader and involved in many activities. She attended her high school class reunions up until her health declined. Donna married Harlan Pratt, the love of her life, on June 27, 1954 and the two were married for 52 beautiful years before Harlan’s passing.

Donna was involved in the Drake University “D” club with Harlan, who was a Drake alumni and a varsity football player. They held season tickets for many years for Drake basketball games. Donna was also involved in U.S.S. Mississippi battleship group with Harlan.

Donna loved to write, solve puzzles, and was a voracious reader. She taught her children the love of reading by taking them to the Franklin Ave Library every two weeks to check out books. She was involved in a writer’s group where she won awards for her writings, poetry, and jingles. Donna was a beloved, kind, and patient mother and wife, always tenderly and lovingly caring for her family.

Donna had an incredible high soprano voice. She loved sharing this gift with others through solos, church choir, Union Park Ecumenical Choir, and Senior Singers. She was so honored to sing yearly at the State Fair at Pioneer Hall with Senior Singers.

Church and family were her life. Sundays were especially centered around the church and family. She worked at the church fulltime as a bookkeeper after her children were school age and was that person everyone looked to for help. She was a faithful church member, leader, mentor – taking many Temple school classes, always seeking to improve her understanding of God’s will.

Donna’s priesthood calling (office of High Priest) was an honor to her and a blessing to others. Her prayers were beautiful and healing, as well as her sermon messages. Being in her presence meant basking in God’s spirit.

All who knew Donna found her to be ever joyful and happy, a true delight to be around.

Donna is survived by her children, Jeffrey Pratt and Jacqueline Oehlerking; grandson, Drew (Emily) Wilson; step-grandchildren, Reneé Oehlerking and Austin (Chelsey) Oehlerking; great-grandchildren, Rowan and Brooks; sister-in-law, Marilyn Allen; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by husband, Harlan Pratt; parents, Wilson and Violet; son-in-law, Fred Oehlerking; and siblings, Georgia, Alice, Leola, Wilson Jr., and Willard.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with her funeral service to begin at 11 a.m., Monday, August 7, 2023 at Community of Christ Church, 1645 Pennsylvania Ave., Des Moines, followed by a luncheon. The family will gather at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines for a private farewell.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community of Christ Des Moines Central in memory of Donna.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print