Donna (Kern) Graff, 71, of Washington, passed away 8:25am Friday, March 8, 2024 at Washington Senior Living.

She was born April 14, 1952 in Peoria to the late William A. and Bernadine L. (Grebner) Kern, Jr. one of seven children.

Surviving are her brothers, Dave Kern of Danvers, Mike Kern of Washington, Doug (Connie) Kern of Tremont, and Keith Kern (Jeff Roscow) of Marion; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John Kern and James Kern; and sister-in-law, Belinda Kern.

Donna was a graduate of Washington Community High School, and went on to earn degrees from Bradley University, ISU, and Aurora University. She enjoyed a very successful career with Caterpillar until her retirement and had the distinction of being the first woman to complete Cat's Engineering Apprenticeship program. She was a devoted Christian, serving in prison ministry and as an active member of Riverside Community Church. She loved to work out and socialize at Five Points, spend time with her dogs, and was an excellent cook and hostess. Donna always carried a positive outlook on life, sharing that with all she met. Her kind and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday, March 15, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with Pastor John King officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverside Community Church.