Visitation will be held at Weerts Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 3 to 4 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 4 p.m.
Donnie was born in Ottumwa, Iowa to Edward and Florence Woolums on 13 November 1948. He went to high school at Ottumwa High School and graduated in 1966. He went on to earn a degree in Architectural Design from Iowa State University in 1970. He then served a short term in the US Army. In 1996, he received his MBA from St. Ambrose University. He worked for an Architectural firm for a few years then was hired by John Deere, where he worked 1972 to 2017. Donnie worked with Junior Achievement in Ottumwa for 12 years, 5 years as a counselor and 7 of years as the JA Coordinator for SE Iowa. He also coached Peewee, Little League, and Babe Ruth baseball teams in Ottumwa. Donnie also was the President of the Babe Ruth Association in Ottumwa for 4 years. He was a 3rd Degree Free Mason and Shriner. Donnie also did work with Habitat for Humanity building homes. He enjoyed photography, writing poems, and making wood projects for family and friends. Donnie’s enjoyment of his Minnesota retreat lasted over 60 years. But his biggest enjoyment of life was loving his children and spoiling his grandchildren.
Donnie preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his sister Judith Ann Bosley, and his nephew Jon Bosley.
Donnie is survived by his daughter, Danielle (Tom) Velky of Waverly, Iowa, his son, Damon (Erin) Woolums of Charlotte, North Carolina, seven fantastic grandchildren, Jake, Luke Velky and Alexis (Alex) Assmann of Waverly, Austin, Payne, Isabella and Alexandria Woolums and three great-grandchildren, Rome, Airisin, and Lennon. He’s also survived by nephews, Jim and Jeff Bosley of Ottumwa, Iowa, and many magnificent cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family who will distribute the funds to organizations dear to Donnie.
Online, condolences and fond memories may be left at www.weertsfh.com
“As long as I live in your heart and memory, I will never be gone. For I will be alive as long as the spark of life burns within you.”
