Donna M. Rockwell, age 90, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Donna’s life, family and friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m., on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Friday at the funeral home.

Donna was born on September 14, 1934, in Dodgeville, WI, the daughter of Thomas and Eunice (Kittoe) Holt.

Donna was a hard worker who was employed in housekeeping at The Julien Hotel for 17 years, in the laundry at Finley Hospital for 8 years and also did in-home care for the elderly.  Donna’s family meant the world to her.  She often said she was very proud of raising a “good family”.  She truly loved spending time with her grandchildren.  Donna enjoyed going fishing and everything about the holidays, especially Christmas.  She was very creative.  The Christmas trees she made out of toothpicks were quite impressive.  Donna had a green thumb, growing beautiful flowers in her yard and home.  She also enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls.  Donna was a good woman and will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Donna’s memory include

her children,
Dave Lape, Dubuque, IA,
Nancy (Dave) Smalley, Anamosa, IA,
Earl Lape, Dubuque, IA
and Eunice (Rick) Hoftender, East Dubuque, IL;

6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her 1st husband, Edmund Lape; her 2nd husband, Mark Rockwell; a son, Arthur Lape, and 7 siblings, Marvin Holt, Bob Kittoe, Ann Marie Murray, Amanda Rueter, Arthur Holt, Donald Holt and Eva Sue Ginter.

Donna’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque and UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for their wonderful care.  Also a special thanks to her neighbors, Ron and Ann Shaal, for their help and support throughout the years.

Cards and memorials in Donna’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Donna Rockwell Family.

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