Donna M. Simoens

Donna M. Simoens, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Lonetree, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Donna was born December 9, 1932, in Lonetree, Iowa, to Walter L. and Susie (Polton) Strong. She graduated from McKinley High School. On November 30, 1951, Donna was united in marriage to Melvin T. Simoens. She worked in food service for the Cedar Rapids Community School District for 30+ years. After she retired, Donna and Melvin served together as crossing guards at Hoover Elementary School for eight years.

She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Donna was also a longtime member of Curves, faithfully attending into her 90s. Donna loved to cook and was especially known for her cinnamon rolls. Family was important to her, she loved attending all of her families activities.

Survivors include her husband of 74 years, Melvin Simoens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her children, Terry Simoens (Janelle Dietz) of Durant, Iowa, Michael (Jackie) Simoens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Krista Thompson of Van Horne, Iowa, and Keith (Kim) Simoens, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; six grandchildren, Tiffany (Jonny) Lympus, Travis (Jaynee) Thompson, Briana (Jason) Steffens, Ryan (Megan) Simoens, Tyler (Alison) Simoens, and Kelsey (Daylis) Deutsch; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Shirley (Pete) Bloom of Missouri, and Delores Christie of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Susie Strong; her brothers, Robert Polton and Cloyce Leland Strong; and her sister, Mary Lou Carmen.