Madonna Lucille Cox

She was born on July 16, 1937 to the late Vincent and Irene (Plein) Steckel in Dubuque, IA. She married Richard Cox on January 30, 1960 in Dubuque, IA. They spent 61 years together until his passing on January 2, 2022.

Donna stayed at home to raise her children and later worked at Bradley University as a Secretary in their Health Center. She retired in 1992.

She played sudoku everyday. She loved diamond art, making puzzles, and especially her plants. Each time she would go shopping with her son, Craig, she would talk him into getting her a plant. Donna and her husband, Richard, loved to travel. They traveled to all 50 states, driving to all but Hawaii. Her greatest love, however, was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her children, Timothy (Julie) Cox, Karla Bothast, Thomas (Stephanie) Cox, and Craig Cox; her grandchildren, Britt Bothast, Travis (Kelsey) Cox, Morgan (Nick) Erwin, Ryan (McKenzie) Cox, Bryce (Natalie) Bothast, Adam (Morgan) Cox, Tyler Cox, Matthew (Megan) Cox, Trent (Riley) Cox, Cole (Adrien) Cox, and Quinn Cox; her great grandchildren, Emerson, Colter, Lucy, Leland, Juliet, Shiloh, Reggie, Corinne, and Benjamin; her daughter-in-law, Denise Cox; her sister, Dianne (Steve) Pins; her brother-in-law, Paul Cox; her sister-in-law, Ann Steckel; and many extended family members.

She is preceded by her parents; her husband, Richard; her son, Kevin Cox; 6 brothers; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

A Funeral Service in honor of Donna will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel at 12:00 pm. A Visitation will be held prior starting at 10:00 am. Committal service will be held at Resurrection Mausoleum directly after.

Memories and condolences can be shared at Davison-Fulton.com.