Donna G. Lapsey

Visitation will be held at the Runge Mortuary and Crematory on Tuesday, August 25 from 5 – 7 pm. Per Donna’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rungemortuary.com.

Born on February 24, 1960, in Somerville, New Jersey, to Christian and Anne (Ellis) Graber, Donna spent her early youth in New Jersey and California. Following the heartbreaking loss of her mother, her family moved to Wilton, Iowa, when she was 13. She graduated from Wilton High School and attended Muscatine Community College and the University of Northern Iowa before marrying the love of her life, Max Lapsey Jr., on July 24, 1982, in Davenport.

Donna was an amazing mother and grandmother who devoted her life to her family. She spent her early years raising her children and helping run her husband’s landscaping business, later becoming a beloved paraeducator in the Davenport and Bettendorf School Districts. She was a remarkably talented artist who could do anything she set her mind to. She shared her creativity in countless ways, but one of her largest and most meaningful projects was painting and gifting over 100 portraits to the families of Iowa’s fallen service members from the Iraq War. She completed this incredible effort after her first brain surgery and during cancer treatments.

Donna had a surprisingly competitive spirit and wasn’t afraid to shine, even once winning the grand prize on Wheel of Fortune in 1987. She enjoyed rock concerts, bowling, trips to the casino, and loved nothing more than simply being with her family.

She is survived by her children: Jenny (Shawn) Weimer, Andrew Lapsey, and Aleena Lapsey (Adam Schuleman); bonus daughters, Shelly Whalen and Katie Matheson; six grandchildren: Christian (Emma), Annabelle, Michael, Taylor, Isabella, and Brennan; her siblings: Leanne Wood, Marie King, Mike Graber, and Larry (Helen) Graber; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Lapsey Jr.; her parents; and her brothers, James Graber and Thomas Graber.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to University of Iowa Health Care Neuro-Oncology—with special thanks to Drs. Reith, Smith, and Kawasaki—for giving them so much precious time with their mother. They also offer sincere thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care in her final months.