Donna Zens, 80, of Boyden, IA, died Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at Pleasant Acres Care Center in Hull, IA. Her funeral will be Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Zell, SD. Visitation will be Saturday from 11-2:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Donna Jean Zens the daughter of Otto and Marian (Hawke) Hansen was born October 15, 1932 in Redfield, SD. She attended country school and later, school in Doland, SD. On December 28, 1963, she was united in marriage to Eugene Zens in Redfield. After their marriage, the couple lived in South Dakota, Boyden, Iowa, Blaine, Minnesota before returning to Boyden, where the couple lived for many years. She worked as a waitress and for many years as a babysitter caring for many babies and small children in the family. Her husband preceded her in death on January 14, 2000. She remained in Boyden until entering the Pleasant Acres Care Center in Hull, Iowa several days ago. She passed away at Pleasant Acres on Tuesday November 20, 2012 reaching the age of 80 years 1 month and 5 days.

She enjoyed her time babysitting, spending time camping with her husband at Lake Shetek and playing cards.

Donna leaves to cherish her memory brothers and sisters; Joyce (John) Jansen of Ashton, SD, Lyle (Mildred) Hansen of Yakima, WA, Lester (Joan) Hansen of Boyden, IA and Carol (Oscar) Woodfork of Redfield, SD also many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, parents, one sister Bernadine (Lloyd) Lewis.