Donna Marie Settle

Donna Marie Settle

Ankeny

Donna Marie (Anfinson) Settle was born September 22, 1932 in Nevada, Iowa to Alfred and Edna (Prescott) Anfinson. Following her graduation from Nevada High School, Donna majored in theatre at the University of Iowa where she was in numerous plays which included fellow student Gene Wilder – American actor and comedian. In 1953 Donna won the State Acting Contest sponsored by the radio station KRNT.

Donna was married to William (Bill) Lloyd Settle on March 22, 1953. After marriage Donna continued her theatre interest, taking part in Ames Community Theatre presentations and was well known in Central Iowa for her “one woman” dramatic presentations. While living in Ames Donna was employed by the Ames Daily Tribune, and acted in educational films for Iowa State University and the Iowa Development Commission.

Donna and Bill moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1963, where they raised their two sons Todd and Tim. Donna was very active with the Cedar Rapids Community Theatre performing in many dramas and musicals. Donna was head of the circulation department for the Cedar Rapids Public Library from 1970 to 1987. And from 1987 to her retirement in 1993 Donna worked for the speech and hearing department at Grant Wood AEA. In 2015 Donna and Bill moved to Des Moines, Iowa to be near their son Todd and his family.

Donna was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Zeta Phi Eta speech fraternity, a volunteer at Mercy Hospital, and served as a tour guide at the historical Brucemore Mansion.

Donna and Bill loved to travel which included trips to Europe, Fiji, New Zealand, and Norway. Donna was very proud of her Norwegian heritage, the trip to Norway was one of her favorites.

Donna was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Donna is survived by a son, Todd (Sarah) Settle of Norwalk, Iowa; daughter-in-law Carol Settle of Conifer, Colorado; eight grandchildren; Kathryn Cox (Christopher), Tulsa, Okahoma; David Settle (Rachael), Windsor Heights, Iowa; Stephanie Taylor (Andrew), Lawrence, Kansas; Erik Settle, Lawrence, Kansas; Mary Settle, West Des Moines, Iowa; William Settle, Norwalk, Iowa; James Settle, Norwalk, Iowa; Theresa Settle, Norwalk, Iowa. Seven great-grandchildren; Leona, Edward, Louis, Marylin, Charlotte, Michael, and Andrew.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Edna (Prescott) Anfinson, husband William (Bill) Lloyd Settle, son Tim Settle, and infant grandson Thomas Settle.

Interment to be at the Nevada, Iowa, Cemetery. There will be a “celebration of life” at a later date.