Donnett Marie Rottinghaus

Donnett Rottinghaus, 71, of Evansdale, Iowa passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9 at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center surrounded by her family. 

Donnett was born on December 16, 1952 to Darlene Wood and Donald Tompkins in Waterloo, Iowa where she grew up and attended Waterloo West High School. She married Chris Wehr in 1976, and they later divorced. She was then united in marriage to Donald Rottinghaus on January 15, 2006 and they have been happily married since. 

Donnett was first employed at Coyote’s where she bartended and was a line dance instructor, bringing her vivacity to the dance floor each and every time. She continued her love for bartending at The Village/Smitty’s Bar and she later retired from GMAC after years of employment. 

Donnett and Don enjoyed spending time together at their vacation home in Lake City, Minnesota, often bringing their grandchildren up for visits. They also enjoyed traveling together numerous times to Branson, Missouri and Florida. Shopping, visiting family, and playing board games (especially Farkle) with her girlfriends at Fat Cup Coffee Company in Waterloo, Iowa were some of her favorite things.

More than anything, Donnett enjoyed time with her family. She had a deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren. She was often described as headstrong, feisty, and incredibly quick witted. She had defeated many challenges and stood strong with a smile on her face. Bold, tenacious, and affectionate were just a few of the traits that everyone loved about her, and her colorful language was brought with her wherever she went - as she was always on the go. Donnett met many friends throughout the years and always thought of them and treated them as family. She will always be remembered for being a friend to many, and a stranger to none.

Donnett is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Rottinghaus, and four of her children, Ryan (Jamie) Pierce of Waterloo, IA, Eric (Michelle) Wehr of Cedar Falls, IA, Jamie (Josh) Wirtz of Evansdale, IA, and Brady (Jazzy) Wehr of Evansdale, IA. She is also survived by four stepchildren, Tracy (JT) Rottinghaus, Troy Rottinghaus, Sarah Gillaspy, and Doretta (Aaron) Koldenhoven. In addition, she is survived by 22 grandchildren; Brenton, Alexis (Ariel), Jesse, Elise, Paityn, Zane, Zada, Abrianna, Zariah, Zeeland, Christopher, Kassandra, Aiden, Ashton, Addilyn, Danielle, Andrew, Anthony (Mikayla), Hayden, Courtney, and Angela. Great grandchildren include Isaiah, Kamrin, Khloe, Kallen, and one on the way. Siblings include; Randy Wood, Gary Wood, Sherri Wood, and Rick Wood; along with numerous cherished extended family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Casey Wehr; her parents, Darlene and Donald; and her brother, Daniel Tompkins. 

Visitation: Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at Parrott and Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo.

Celebration of Life: Sunday, April 14, 2024, Evansdale AMVETS, 706 Colleen Ave, Evansdale at 4:00 pm.