Donna J. Izer

Oregon, IL- Donna Jean Izer, age 89, passed peacefully on April 13, 2026, at Sheperd Premier Senior Living in Oregon, Illinois, surrounded by the quiet grace that defined her life.

Born on December 18, 1936, in Sterling, Illinois, Donna was the beloved daughter of Clyde H. and Wanita B. (Swisshelm) Andreas. She graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1954 and went on to pursue her calling in nursing through the Rock Valley College Nursing Program— A path that reflected her lifelong devotion to caring for others with skill, compassion, and love.

On November 3, 1954, Donna married the love of her life, Thomas E. Izer, in Rock Falls, Illinois. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family, sharing 69 devoted years of marriage before his passing in 2024. Their bond was a lasting testament to partnership, resilience, enduring affection, and an adoring love for one another throughout their lives.

Donna dedicated many years as a registered nurse, serving patients and families at Swedish American Hospital, Rochelle Hospital, and the Oregon Clinic.

A woman of deep faith, Donna was a longtime and devoted member of the Oregon United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She poured her heart into her church community, teaching Sunday School and leading children’s programs, nurturing young lives with kindness, patience, love, and unwavering guidance.

Donna found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the camaraderie of bowling leagues, the laughter shared over card club with dear friends, and the meaningful role she played as a room mother in her children’s schools. She was a proud supporter of the Oregon Hawks, actively involved in the Booster Club, and always cheering on her children and community.

Above all, Donna’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom; and her siblings, June Hunsberger, Delores Pitzer, and Harold “Joe” Andreas. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her five children: Jill Izer of Winnebago, IL; Tom (Teresa) Izer of Dixon, IL; Penny (Phil) Fox of Woodridge, IL; Julie Shelby of Peoria, IL; and Tim (Lori) Izer of Peru, IL. She is also survived by her brother Terrance (Kim) Andreas of Rockton, IL and their 2 sons, Seth and Todd; her eleven cherished grandchildren, to whom she was their “Nina”: Hope (Matt) Hitchcock, Jeremy Izer, Paul (Stephanie) Fox, David (Alison) Fox, Nicholas (Lauren) Fox, Jessica (Brett) Barr, Gregory (Kristin) Fox, Sean Shelby, Hannah Shelby, Erica (Eli) McGraw, and Christopher Koehler; 23 adored great-grandchildren: Aiden, Jack, Macie, Dax, Briar, Brynlee, Naveah, Camden, Kaydence, Emma, Isaac, Grant, Weston, Berkley, Miles, Nora, Julian, Priscilla, Scarlett, Trey, Dezirae, Ryan, and Jude, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street in Oregon, Illinois. A funeral service celebrating Donna’s life will take place at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Oregon United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Megan Smick. She will be laid to eternal rest at Oak Knoll Memorial Gardens in Sterling, Illinois, alongside her beloved husband. A memorial fund is established in Donna’s name for the Oregon United Methodist Church. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

https://www.oregonumc.org