Dona May Pierce

Dona (Hartgrave) Robinson Pierce, 83, of Marion, Iowa, formerly of Manchester, passed away at her home after a lengthy illness on Friday, April 18, 2025. Private family graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Dona was born on January 18, 1942, in rural Marengo, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Irene (Gerard) Hartgrave. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduating from Jefferson High School. After entering the workforce, she met her first husband, Gerald “Gary” Robinson. The couple were married on July 26, 1962, and three children were born to this union. Dona enjoyed playing bingo and cards. She was also known to drop a few coins in the slot machines at local casinos. Gary and Dona traveled to Chetek, Wisconsin, yearly for fishing trips. Gary preceded her in death in 2006. After her marriage to Merle Pierce on September 1, 2012, she and Merle also traveled to Chetek, hoping to find a hot spot of crappies and bluegills. Dona and Merle spent the winter months in Southern Texas. She was thankful to get away from the cold and snow of Iowa. The many people she met, she would soon call friends. Dona enjoyed spending time with family, hosting dinners, attending reunions, and she was known for her peach pie, which was often requested. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Dona is survived and lovingly remembered by her spouse, Merle Pierce; children, Rick (Barb) Robinson, Coni (Scott) Neuhaus; step-children, Dana Pierce, Dedra Pierce, and Lon (Kim) Pierce; grandchildren, Nickie (Joey) Quint, Corey (Jamie) Meyer, Aaron (Lexi) Robinson, Ryan (Morgan) Neuhaus, Kaity Neuhaus, and Adam (special friend, Illiana) Neuhaus; step-grandchildren, Zach Kerton, Jesse Hubble, Kiyla Caviness, Briauna (Brent) Eastin, Jordan (Zach) Bonney, Dakota (special friend, Kevin) Pierce, and Maicee Pierce; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Houser; sister-in-law, Erma Robinson; brother-in-law, Kyle (Christine) Robinson; several nieces and nephews; and Merle’s siblings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; infant daughter, Tami in 1970; parents; in-laws, Walt and Alice Robinson, Marvin Houser, Calvin, Keith, and Linda Robinson.

The family would like to thank Merle and UnityPoint Hospice for the extraordinary care provided to Dona.