Donna J. Kerkhoff
Donna J. Kerkhoff, age 74, of Quincy, IL died peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, in her long-time home surrounded by her husband and beloved gardens. She was born on January 13, 1951, in Quincy, the daughter of Roy and Dorothy (Waggoner) Genenbacher. On June 3, 1978, she married William “Bill” Kerkhoff who survives.
Donna graduated from Quincy Notre Dame and obtained her teaching degree from Quincy College. She was a first-grade elementary school teacher, art instructor, and later served as the pre-school teacher and director before retiring from St. Peter’s. Mrs. Kerkhoff left an indelible impact on thousands of children whom she loved and educated over her career. After retirement, “Mima” loved to spend time caring for her seven rambunctious grandchildren – a motherly love, impact, and commitment that will be felt for generations. Donna proudly taught her own boys how to play baseball and coached their teams before becoming their biggest lifelong fan, advocate, and supporter.
Donna was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church along with her husband Bill.
In her later years, she enjoyed tending to her expansive home gardens and caring for flowers. She breathed that passion into her Grandchildren with decades of loving outdoor adventures with little one’s hand-in-hand. Like her own mother, Mima loved baking and enthusiastically taught her little ones how to bake cakes, pies, and sweets over decades of countertop seats and cooking projects.
Donna’s place of joy was anywhere together with family, from annual family trips to Lake of the Ozarks, to weekly bedtime books with the youngest, to persistent hosting and planning for ‘big’ holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and the Fourth of July. Mima would plan for months to ensure her kids and grandkids had memories to last a lifetime with every moment thoughtfully preserved in photos.
Donna was a member of her Notre Dame Class Reunion Committee and enjoyed planning events and parties. She was a socialite at heart and loved making connections with old friends and making new ones. She frequently spent time with her beloved sister, Barb, gardening, baking, and traveling.
In addition to her husband, Donna is also survived by: Her three children: Aaron (Michelle) Kerkhoff of Quincy; Mark (Abby) Kerkhoff of Palmyra, MO; Lauren (Tyler) Neumann of Dubuque, IA.
Seven grandchildren: Jackson, Carson, and Madison Kerkhoff; Raylan and Crosby Neumann; and Nathan and Mia Kerkhoff. A sister: Barbara (Kenneth) Cantrell of Quincy. Nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Roger Genenbacher.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Quincy Notre Dame High School & St. Francis Solanus Catholic Elementary School. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com
Bill, we are so very sorry. Will be praying for you & your family.
Venora & John Deemer
Barb and family,
Roger and I send our deepest sympathy in the death of your sister Donna. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Thank you Dorothy and Roger. We appreciate your prayers.
Thanks special friends! ❤️
Bill, Aaron, Mark, and Lauren,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I know how deeply she loved her. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the difficult days ahead and that HE fills your hearts with only the great memories that you created, and shared with her. God Bless.
Thanks so much for your prayers Lonny. Much appreciated!
Barb, sending our deepest condolences for the loss of your dear sister Donna.
Sending our love & prayers.
Wish we were there to hug you.
We love you & Ken so much.
Teddy & Cindy
Thanks so much Teddy and Cindy. Much appreciated.
Thank you special friends!
I’ll miss her. She practically raised me until 3rd grade in the afternoons, as she picked me up after school. She taught me a lot, simple things like eating veggies first so you can enjoy the rest of the meal, but also to care about others and love people. Whenever I would hear people talking about her when she wasn’t there, it was always positive. She impacted a lot of us, and we need to move forward in life with what she taught us and try to love like she did.
Beautiful comments Jack!! Awesome job man. You’re right she loved us all a ton and especially her Grandchildren!! Love ya buddy.
Bill, so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thanks for the prayers Tammy. They are much appreciated!
Barb and Ken , we are so very sorry for your loss . We are thinking of you and her family , and remembering how lovingly you spoke of her .
Thanks special friends!
So very sorry for your loss! She was a very lovely lady and so sweet! My prayers are with everyone.
Thank you Lori. She will be missed by so many.