05/20/1992
Services for Donna Lynn (DeZwarte) Baitzer, 40, who passed away May 20, 1992 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, were held May 23 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Rev. Elton Richards officiated. Music was provided by organist Linda Wibben and congregational hymns. Honorary pallbearers were Drew Burham, Kathy Davis, Rick DeZwarte, Nick Neumann, Bill Newland, Col. Frank Peterson, Susie Schuchat and Jennifer Walter.
Mrs. Baitzer was born March 1, 1952, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of Ray and Mildred DeZwarte of rural Harvey. She grew up on the farm there and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1970. She lived briefly in Pella after graduating, then moved to Des Moines 20 years ago.
On Sept. 5, 1979, she was united in marriage to Les C. Baitzer. Their children are Tyler Charles and Emily Anne. Donna was an administrative specialist and member of the Iowa Air National Guard, Friends of Ballet, and St. Johns Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and served on the Altar Guild. She was a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club and Living History Farms.
Surviving is her husband, Les; her children, Tyler Charles and Emily Anne; a stepson, Michael; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray De Zwarte of Oskaloosa; two sisters, Sherril Postma, Knoxville and Debra Gray of Murray; a brother Rick De Zwarte of Eddyville, several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to her church’s youth program or Boys & Girls Club.