Donna Irene Williamson Joslin

Donna Irene Williamson Joslin

Monticello

Donna Irene Williamson Joslin passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Northern Mahaska Specialty Care. She was 83.

Donna Irene Williamson Joslin was born on the old farm outside Earlville on March 30, 1942. She was the daughter of August and Mildred Nieman. She attended school at Earlville and was a member of the last graduation class of Earlville High School in 1959. Donna was active in 4-H as the historian and played basketball for Earlville. She had a nickname of “Smiley” when younger.

Donna married Robert Williamson on September 8, 1962, and raised 4 children in Lisbon, Iowa: Rob, Scott, Shawn, and Sharla. All children in the neighborhood knew they could count on Donna to have Kool-Aid or chocolate chip cookies on a hot summer day or after the afternoon little league games. Living directly across from Lisbon’s ballfields significantly contributed to children in and out of her house. She was a cub scout and 4-H leader. She attended multiple athletic events and plays where her children were participants.

She was employed by Casey’s and was a cook for HACAP’s Meals on Wheels. Donna taught Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. She also bowled in multiple leagues in Mt. Vernon and Monticello until she was 80, with a high game of 221. Over the last several years her affinity for ice cream increased dramatically. Donna met Duayne Franklin Mere in a bowling league. They were companions for 15 years residing in Morley and Monticello.

Donna is survived by her children: Scott (Cathy) Williamson of Oskaloosa, IA, Shawn (Lori) Williamson of La Marque, TX, Sharla (Bruce) Cheneweth of Eagan, MN; grandchildren: Gable (Hailey) Williamson of Norwalk, IA, Tyler Hatfield of La Marque, TX, Jordan (Gracy) Lamb of Oskaloosa, IA, Drea Lamb of Pella, IA, and Saydee Smith of Davenport, IA; great-grandchildren: Hudson and Brecken Williamson. She is also survived by her siblings: Ilomea Meling of Cylinder, IA, David (Yoly) Nieman of Houston, TX, Richard (Christy) Nieman of Earlville, IA, Duane (Karen) Nieman of Earlville, IA; and a sister-in-law, Gayle Nieman of Andover, MN.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, August and Mildred Nieman; brother, Ed Nieman; son, Rob Williamson; brother-in-law, Duane Meling; former daughter-in-law, Kim Williamson; and companion, Duayne Mere.

Services will be held at Kramer-Morris Funeral home in Monticello, IA on Friday, February 27, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am with a memorial service at 11:00 am. Rev. David Raemisch will officiate. A luncheon will be at the Monticello Eagles Club after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to a local animal rescue.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.