Obituary of Donna Byers

Donna Seering Byers, age 84, of Iowa City, died July 29, 2024, at The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 2, 2024, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Prior to the service a gathering for friends and family will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Donna’s memory.

Donna was born June 1, 1940, in Iowa City, IA, to parents Roland and Lois (Parker) Seering. She was the eldest daughter of their eleven children. Donna’s family moved several times while she was growing up. She spent time attending school in Riverside, Washington, and Mediapolis.

She met her husband William “Bill” Byers while they were both working at Fuller Brush. They were united in marriage on September 12, 1959, in Iowa City. Donna stepped away from work to care for their growing family. She returned to work as a machine tech at Oral B in 1974 where she worked until her retirement in 2002. Donna participated in the Oral B bowling league, as well as the High Point Women’s golf league. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Iowa City.

Donna loved to cook, bake and travel. Her baked goods had such a reputation that when she attended a family gathering, she would have to bring at least 5 pies. Family and friends frequently requested her cakes and cupcakes. Donna catered during her retirement, eventually earning the Reward of Recognition award from the Iowa City Public Library. Donna and Bill traveled all over the country in their van, spending time on the east and west coasts, Dallas, and Alaska. She was a member of Teamsters 238.

Her family includes her children, Steve (Roxanne) Byers, Terri Byers, and Rik (Molly) Byers; grandchildren, Angela Byers, Amy (Zachary) Jacobsen, Coleton Byers, and Riley (Mckensie) Byers; step-grandchildren, Hannah Bentley, Zeb (Taylor) Vrchoticky, and Madison Vrchoticky; great-grandchildren, Zoey Koberlie, Ryker Byers, Carson Byers, and Mason Byers; step-great-grandson, Xander Lane; sisters, Betty, Arletta, Pat, Nancy, and Linda; and brothers, Richard, Alfred, and Ronald.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, son, Brad Byers; sister, Selma; brother, Irvin; and by numerous pets over the years, most recently her cat Dexter.