Donna Selma Kain

Donna Selma (Rose) Kain, age 78, of Iowa Falls, Iowa (formerly of Des Moines) passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at Scenic Living Community. She will be remembered by many for her laughter, great stories, and a sassy embrace of life.

Donna was born on August 27, 1945, in Centerville, Iowa to Monnie and Helen (Hellyer) Rose. She spent her school years in Des Moines and her summer months on the Hellyer family farm in Moravia, Iowa. Donna graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963. She was blessed with lifelong friendships from grade school at Washington Elementary through high school at Lincoln.
Donna met Robert (Bob) Wayne Kain while working with his sister, Patty at Bankers Life in Des Moines. Donna and Bob were united in marriage on November 18, 1967, at the Clifton Heights Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Donna and Bob spent most of their married lives on the South Side of Des Moines, then moved to Iowa Falls following retirement 13 years ago to spend time with their grandchildren.

She worked several jobs including Younkers and Canteen until she landed her long-term career with the Des Moines Public Schools as an interpreter for deaf students. Interpreting and advocating for deaf children was Donna’s passion for over 25 years. She furthered her education at Gallaudet University in Washington DC. She often joked about her career highlights that included interpreting for the rich and famous, Mr. T and Bill Clinton. Due to being a child of deaf parents, her skills were considered the highest of the Iowa Board standards for Interpreting Licensure.

Donna’s Christian beliefs began as a member of the Iconium United Methodist Church in Moravia, Iowa. She encouraged her daughters to embrace an understanding of all faiths. Nonetheless, she would often be heard acknowledging her blessings by declaring “It’s a thank you Jesus day.”

Donna enjoyed spending time with family, traveling to Okoboji, entertaining friends, playing games, reading, shopping, hosting large Christmas parties, great stories, watching PBS, and a smoky casino. Donna was a believer in education and exposing her daughters to a variety of art, dance, and different cultures. Their adventures often involved uncontrollable laughter and mischief. Many have cherished memories of Bob and Donna’s welcoming home.

She is survived by her husband, Bob of Iowa Falls; children, Laura (Eric) Brunsen of Iowa Falls and Alison (Brian) Brennan of Iowa Falls; granddaughter, Paige Brunsen of Los Angeles, CA, Erin Brunsen of Ames, and Morgan Brennan of Iowa Falls; grandson, Mitch Brennan of Iowa Falls; brothers-in-law, Ronald Kain, Mervin Vaughn, and Hugh Taylor; sisters-in-law, Janice Thomas, Janice Kain, Patty Boot, Lucy Vaughn, and Wanda Taylor; and 20 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Monnie and Helen Rose; in-laws, Clyde and Donna Kain; brother, Terry Rose; brothers-in-law, Richard (Dick) Thomas and Donald Kain; sister-in-law, Linda Kain.

Funeral services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation prior, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Donna.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.


Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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