Donna Dee (Baerenwald) Unger

Donna Dee Unger, 74, of Newton passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 12, 2023, surrounded by her family. A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials to an animal charity of the donor’s choice may be left at the funeral home.

Donna, the daughter of Lawrence and Pearl (Verdoorn) Baerenwald, was born on October 21, 1948 in Worthington, Minnesota. As a child her family lived in many places throughout the United States. While Donna was in high school, they made Colfax, Iowa their home and Donna would graduate from Colfax High School as the Class Salutatorian in 1966. In high school she was also an accomplished athlete. After graduation, Donna would make her home in Newton while she was receiving her AS degree in computer programming from Marshalltown Community College.  She then worked in the Registrar’s office at Grinnell College. On February 14, 1992, Donna was united in marriage with Paul Unger in Nashua. They made their home in Urbandale. Donna then returned to school and graduated with honors with her accounting degree from Iowa State University. After graduation, she worked in accounting for the Principal Company until her retirement in 2007. In 2009, Paul and Donna returned to Newton. 

Donna was a huge Chicago Cubs fan and also had a love for animals; donating to several animal charities throughout the years. She also enjoyed traveling, music, and being involved with her political party. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donna was known for her sense of humor, wittiness, energy, strong-will, and sense of adventure. 

Donna is survived by her husband, Paul Unger; daughters, Gina (Gordon) Wickenkamp and Stacy (Mike) Hesse; step-daughter, Jen Hathaway; grandchildren, Madison (Van) Flattery, Alexis (Nate) Dahlhauser, Tory Church, Trey Hesse,, Sara Hesse, Jace Hesse, and Jeremiah Hesse; her great-grandchildren, Freddy and Lee Flattery and Xander and Aria Dahlhauser; and her sister-in-law, Toni Baerenwald. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Kathy Berg; and a brother, Larry Baerenwald. 

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