Donna Bennett (1937- 2025)

Donna Kay Bennett, age 88, of Harvey, Iowa, died in Pella, on June 22, 2025. 
She was born in Oskaloosa in 1937 to her parents Charles Arthur (Dick) Riggen II and
Dorothy Maxine Harvey. While she enjoyed having the run of the house as a small
child, she was overjoyed at the birth of her sister, Sally Jo, in 1944. While they weren’t
always “kind” to each other as children, they were unquestionably the closest friends
throughout their adult life. She was equally excited at the news of a brother, Charles
Arthur III, who was born in 1947 but died a year later, something she mourned the rest
of her life. She relayed many stories of growing up in small-town Harvey, attending
classes in a one-room schoolhouse, and spending time with her cousins, grandparents,
aunts and uncles. Having spent time in larger towns and major cities, Donna had a
taste of what it was like to live a “city life”, but she preferred the rural life, claiming
Harvey as home for the rest of her life.
She attended school in Harvey, Iowa, before studying education at a variety of
institutions including Central College, Drake University, Iowa State Teachers College
(UNI), and Sacramento State. For 41+ years she taught elementary school in California
and Iowa, with a 5 th grade math classroom at Knoxville Community School District being
her “home” before retirement. Donna enjoyed teaching and was able to connect almost
anyone in the Knoxville community with a student she taught going back nearly three
generations.
Donna was married to Cleo C, Bennett in 1957 in Harvey, Iowa. Family was extremely
important to Donna, and she found her greatest joy in motherhood, raising six beloved
children. She opened her heart and home through adoption by welcoming Anita Diane,
Larry Gene, and Shawn Anthony, then the Lord continued to bless her through the birth
of Joel Patrick, Dana Marie, and Dawn Marie. Her dedication to family extended to her
fourteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who brought her immense
happiness.
Donna had a soft spot for animals, including dogs and cats, but her favorite were birds.
Her feeders were always full, and she was quick to identify the birds she saw and heard
around her property.
Donna loved to travel and took trips with her kids, and on her own, whenever her
schedule allowed. She loved visiting new places, national parks, and any place where
she could see the beauty of God’s creation.
Donna was an active member of the Harvey United Methodist Church, devoting her time
and energy to different roles that included teaching Sunday school, serving as secretary
and treasurer, and at times playing the piano to keep the small church going.
Donna loved to cook and was good at it, hosting weekly Sunday dinners for her family
long after they left the house. Her kids and grandkids loved learning the secrets of
making world-class mashed potatoes and gravy, baked pork chops, egg noodles, and
various desserts, a tradition that will live long into the future. 
Donna was preceded in death by Dick and Dorthy Riggen, Charles III Riggen, and Cleo
C. Bennett. Donna is survived by Anita (Frank) Schumacher, Larry (Lisa) Bennett, and
Shawn (Lynda) Bennett, Joel (Kristi) Bennett, Dana Bennett, and Dawn (Tim) Van
Haaften.
Visitation is Wednesday, June 26, from 6-8pm, and the funeral service is Thursday,
June 27, at 10:30pm, both at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Donations to
the Knoxville Education Foundation would be greatly appreciated.