Donna P. Hutchens

Donna Pearl Hutchens, 91, of Okemos, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025, at Safe Haven Assisted Living in Okemos.

Donna was born on April 15, 1934 to Alva and Ruth (Blood) Freel. Donna was born to be a teacher; her younger sisters remember her lining them up on the couch at a young age for "school". She got her teaching certificate at the University of Northern Iowa in 1954. She married Frank Hutchens in 1956, and continued her education at University of Northern Colorado where she obtained her Bachelor's degree. She taught all levels of K-12, but most of her career was spent at Roosevelt Elementary in Mason City where she taught second grade for multiple decades.

She loved traveling with her husband Frank and together they toured all over the world, including trips to Russia, China, South America, Australia, India, Africa, and even Antarctica, often with the goal of learning about education in other countries. They also enjoyed traveling all over the United States and visiting relatives and friends far and wide.

Donna is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Wulfekuhler of Lansing, Michigan; her son, Carl Hutchens of Mason City, Iowa; her grandchildren Dan, Erika, and Steven, and great-grandchildren Josh, Nick, Callen, Otto, and Lorelei.

A graveside service will be held prior to interment at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown, Iowa at 11:30 a. m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with Pastor Michael Carlson of Central Christian Church, Marshalltown officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.