Donna Jean Behrendsen – age 89, of Pocahontas, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Donna Jean Smith was born December 28, 1932. She was the daughter of Ernest and Bertha (Stinson) Smith. She graduated from Rolfe Community High School in 1950. On February 16, 1953, she married Virgil Behrendsen in Pocahontas. They lived on a farm outside Gilmore City for over 67 years, raised three daughters and one son. They currently resided in Arlington Place in Pocahontas.

Donna was a longtime member of St. John's Catholic Church in Gilmore City and currently a member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, Pocahontas. She also was a long time member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Gilmore City.

Donna worked at the Pocahontas County Courthouse, Iowa Electric in Rolfe, and then returned to the Pocahontas County Courthouse where she served and retired as the Deputy Recorder. She also worked many hours on the farm alongside her husband and family.

Donna loved her family and always loved it when there were family gatherings. One of the favorite family gatherings was the horseradish gravy and dumplings dinner prepared by her sister, Ione. She also loved "her sports", was an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan and enjoyed playing cards with her friends and neighbors.

Donna is survived by her husband of 69 years, Virgil; daughters, Joan (Peter) Gouge of Garner, Julie Sitterle of Boone, Jeanette (Bill) Winkleblack of Panora, and son John (Shawn) Behrendsen of Gilmore City; 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Bertha Smith; 10 brothers and sisters and several cousins, nieces and nephews.