Donna Jean (Jurgs) Baumgartner

Donna Jean (Jurgs) Baumgartner

Waterloo

Donna Jean (Jurgs) Baumgartner, 74, of Waterloo, IA, passed away peacefully at her home on September 27, 2024, surrounded by friends and family.

Donna was born on January 27, 1950, in Chicago, IL. She lived in many places growing up including Guam and eventually settled in Bettendorf, IA through her high school years. Donna’s the daughter of Donald Jurgs and Jean (Patterson) Jurgs. Donna married Gene Childs, and they later divorced. Donna married Gary Baumgartner in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 12, 1983. Donna went to college at Stout State in Menomonie, WI then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa to obtain her teaching degree in Special Education. She obtained her master’s degree and taught in the Jesup School District and eventually in the Cedar Falls School District. Her career spanned 32 years, and she retired in 2006.

Donna was an avid traveler. She visited all seven continents. She loved the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. After retiring, Donna and Gary started a safari company taking many people to Tanzania to explore their wild side. Donna was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and frequently performed at The Waterloo Community Playhouse and Cedar Falls Community Theatre. Later, Donna added the role of Choreographer to her resume. Donna’s impact on the arts was palpable, creating many friends along the way.

Donna is survived by her husband, Gary of Waterloo, IA, brother Ronald (Connie) Jurgs of Davenport, IA, and sister Barbara Koppang of Menomonie, WI plus many relatives and friends too numerous to list. Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Cedar Valley Hospice for their care and compassion and the support they showed Donna while she was in their care.

A visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10 AM until service time at 11 AM. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Oster Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls, IA on October 26, 2024, from 6 to 10 PM.

Memorials may be made to the family to distribute to Donna’s favorite arts organizations. Thanks for supporting the Arts.