Donna Ann (Hemple) Hudson, 78, of Dubuque, IA, peacefully gained her angel wings on November 19th, 2023, at her home in Leesburg, Florida.

Services will be Friday, May 17th with visitation from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with a short prayer service to follow. Those that wish to attend are welcome to the burial at the East Dubuque Cemetery after the services, to place Donna at her final resting spot – with her husband & son.

Donna was born November 11th, 1945, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of John Hemple & Agnes (Hampton) Lively. She married the love of her life, James (Jim) Hudson on April 25th, 1964, they raised two children together, and cherished 41 years of marriage before Jim’s passing in 2005. Donna worked at numerous establishments around Dubuque including cooking at Loras College, with Jim at the Diamond Jo Casino, & serving at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club. She seemed to know everyone in Dubuque – she could never walk through the grocery store without catching up with at least a few people! Her 78 years were full of spreading love, joy, sarcasm, eye rolls, and sass. She made friends everywhere she went, and lives are better because of it.

She was a woman of many talents & interests. Donna was a master of crocheting sports themed Afghans & adorable baby blankets/clothes, an avid General Hospital fan, and an amazing cook who never measured a single ingredient. Her potato salad, macaroni salad, soups, and desserts were always the best! You would never leave her house hungry. She also loved animals and cared for many cats and dogs throughout her life. They were truly members of her family. She spent the last several years mostly in Florida, since she wasn’t a fan of the cold weather, but made trips back when she could. She was a loving person who always took care of everyone around her. Not a day went by that Donna didn’t talk about how much her family meant to her and how proud she was of her children & grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her daughter, Wanda (Tom) Russett; grandchildren, Jessie (Adam) Rheault, James Hudson III, Jake (Annika) Hudson, Alex Hudson, Alyssa Hudson, & Kaylin Crippes; great-grandchildren, Ellie & Sam Rheault, and Landon Hudson; sister Karen (Roger) Litscher, her beloved companion, Larry Barlow; along with countless other family members and friends she treated like family. She was predeceased by her husband, James Hudson; son, James Hudson II; cherished friend, Colleen Downing; and nephew, Jeremy Litscher, who we have no doubt greeted her at the gates of heaven. Donna will be terribly missed but she left an imprint on our hearts that will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©