Donna L. Reese

Donna L. (Leubka) Reese, 77, of Loves Park, IL passed away May 21, 2018 in Janesville, WI after a long illness, surrounded by her family.

She was born October 30, 1940 to Elmer and Thelma Leubka in Postville, IA. Donna graduated from Postville High School in 1958 and Iowa State University in 1962. She married David Reese at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa on September 4, 1963. Together they had three daughters, Ellen, Ann and Beth.

During her life she was a stay at home mother and taught preschool, starting the first Story Hour for Children in Cherry Valley. She worked at Drewelow’s Garden Center, and as an accountant for First National Bank & Trust of Beloit, retiring at least twice. Donna volunteered for 12 years with the Rock River Valley Council of Girls Scouts and achieved their highest award, the “Thanks Badge”. Donna also served on the Cherry Valley Planning Commission and the first Cherry Valley Library Board, creating the library in Cherry Valley and participated in the Cherry Valley Farmer’s Market. She was an active member of the Rock River Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Northwest Illinois Rock Club and Badger Lapidary & Geological Society. Donna was known by many as an expert baker, master of the art of baking pies. She also sewed and enjoyed beading.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dave; daughters, Ellen (Mark) Olson of Roscoe and Beth Lemiesz of Loves Park; one brother, David (Denise) Leubka of Williamsburg, IA; nine grandchildren, Matthew and Andrew Olson, Daniel Lemiesz, Nichole Wendt, Aliyah, Mohammad, Sa’d, Sarah, and Khadeejah Khashogji; great-grandchildren, Isabella Wendt and Juman and Maria Ajay.

Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Agrace Hospice.

Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. To share online condolences and memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.