Hoaglan, Donna Darlene

Donna Darlene Hoaglan, 73, of Independence, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at the Buchanan County Health Center, Independence, with her family by her side during a short illness. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the White Funeral Home, Independence, with Sharon Bainbridge officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Independence. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.

Donna was born May 28, 1936, in La Porte City, Iowa. Her mother was Emma Gross and her father was Albert Gross.

Donna joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954, where she worked as a nurse's aide and played baseball and basketball for various USAF base women's teams.

Donna was married to Cato Louis Hoaglan at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence on August 16, 1958. Donna enjoyed her family, cooking and canning, raising a big garden, spoiling her grandson and being a wood carver and attending shows and competitions with Cato. She loved meeting people at the wood carving clubs and shows and made many friends. She was a long time member of the Northeast Iowa Woodcarvers Club in Waterloo.

Donna and Cato are blessed with a loving family, daughters and son-in-law, Cynthia L. Drafahl of Independence, Cristina L. and Paul A. Leonard of Iowa City, Jamie J. Hoaglan of Independence, and beloved grandson, Jesse L. Drafahl of Independence.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Albert; brothers, John and Forrest Ray; sisters; and her granddaughter, Emily L. Drafahl.

Donna is survived by her husband, daughters, son-in-law, grandson and half brothers/sisters, Pam Den Herder, Bruce Gross, Brent Gross and Randi Bjerke.

Online condolences may be left at

You are such a strong and special person, Mom. You will be greatly missed.