Donna Jane Vail

Donna Jane Vail

Donna Jane Vail
October 18, 1930 – September 10, 2019
Keswick, Iowa | Age 88

Donna Vail, 88, of Keswick, died Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Mercy Hospice Care in Iowa City. Donna Jane Vail was born in Gibson, Iowa on October 18, 1930, the daughter of Ted and Pearl McKay McDowell.

Donna was a 1948 graduate of Gibson High School. Donna was united in marriage to Harlan Vail on September 4, 1949 in Indianapolis, Iowa.

Donna and Harlan farmed the Vail farm near Gibson until they moved to Keswick in 1988. In 1950 she began making cakes for all types of occasions. Over the years Donna became well known for her cakes because everyone loved them. She also painted portraits for Sybenga Studio for twenty-three years and worked at the University of Iowa for thirteen years.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Harlan Vail.

She is survived by her children: Kathy (Randy) Koehn of Webster, James Vail of Philadelphia, PA, Carolyn (Ron) Turner of Oskaloosa, a special foster daughter, Judy (Ron) Smith of Centerville; ten grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

As was her wish her body has been cremated and a graveside service will be held privately at the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice Care in Iowa City. Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer is in charge of the arrangements.

As was her wish her body has been cremated.
A graveside service will be held privately at the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice Care in Iowa City.

Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer is in charge of the arrangements.