Donna M. Vance

Donna Marie Vance, age 87, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Brainard, Minnesota.

Donna was born July 13, 1938, in Eldon, Iowa to Harry and Madeline (Laughlin) Whitman. She was employed as the Head Secretary for Shirley Hills School in Mound, Minnesota prior to her retirement in 1993. Donna was a member of the Mound, Minnesota Teachers’ Union.

Donna was married to Lawrence Lee Vance, Sr. who preceded her in death in 1984 at the age of 49. Donna’s family was very important to her and she loved spending time with them. In her free time, she enjoyed photography.

In addition to her husband, Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah “Debi” McElveen; grandson, Anthony “Tony” McElveen; parents, Harry and Madeline Whitman; and her siblings, Delores Northway, Charles Whitman, and Brenda Golay.

She is survived by her children, Lawrence L. Vance, Jr. and Diana Vance; grandchildren, Gary Vance, Amy Cooke Dukes, and Tina McElveen; great-grandchildren, Justine Vance, Payton Vance, Jaxson Vance, and River Dukes; and her sisters, Rosie Genevese and Barb Bean.

There will be a graveside committal service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue, Des Moines. Family will be available to greet guests beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family directly or via a card mailed to Hamilton’s Funeral Home (605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309) to assist with funeral expenses.

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