Donna Mae Kirn, 84, of Cape Girardeau, a devoted Catholic and faithful servant, was called home to the Lord while surrounded by her family at her residence on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2:05 p.m. She was born Nov. 21, 1941, in Brewer, to Emil Brown and Velda Moore Brown.
It was during her attendance at St. Vincent High School in Perryville that Donna met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Norman Kirn. Both graduated in 1959 and were later united in marriage on Feb. 24, 1962, in Brewer, beginning a life together filled with love and devotion for more than 64 years.
In 1966, Donna and Norman made their home in Cape Girardeau, where they raised their family and became dedicated members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish for six decades. She was employed as a switchboard operator and later worked and volunteered at the Lutheran Home. In 1988, she and Norman founded Kirn Plumbing and Heating, a union-based business that provided steady employment for many and reflected their strong values of hard work, service, and commitment to their community. She remained dedicated in her full-time role there until her retirement.
Survivors include her loving and loyal husband, Norman Kirn of Cape Girardeau; her children, Tammi Bean of Cape Girardeau and Rodney Kirn of Jackson, along with their spouses; her six grandchildren, Blake Kirkpatrick of Gordonville, Morgan Beaver of Springfield, Taylor Lauren Kirn of Cape Girardeau, Madison Kirn of Scott City, Taylor Elizabeth Kirn-Webb of Marble Hill, and Cheyenne Kirn of Harviell, along with their spouses; and her seven great-grandchildren, Bradyn, Reid, Kayden, Khyson, Xzayvier, Asher and Gaia. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Randy Kirn, who remained forever in her heart and was deeply missed every day.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Roger Brown of Brewer; her sisters- and brothers- in-law, Sheila Brown of Michigan, Glennon and Fran Kirn, and Weldon Kirn, all of Missouri; and her nephews, Justin Brown of Michigan, Andrew Kirn and Mike Pelker, both of Missouri.
Donna’s life was a testament to her deep and unwavering Catholic faith, which guided not only her words but every action of her life. She found great joy in leading others closer to Christ and helping them grow in faith, particularly through the many religious pilgrimages she organized and led over the years, including Conyers, Georgia; EWTN, where she was a devoted supporter; Medjugorje; and the March for Life in Washington, D.C. She was devoted to her prayer groups as early as 1977, including the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at St. Vincent de Paul, Dinner for Eight, and Life in the Spirit. She also played the organ at her home parish, Christ the Savior Church in Brewer; was an active participant in Cursillo; served as an adorer at St. Vincent de Paul Parish; and was a strong advocate for Perpetual Adoration at St. Francis Medical Center — among the many ways she faithfully lived out her beliefs. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, compassion and service, inspiring all who knew and loved her to walk more closely with God.
All services are scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Family viewing will be held at 8:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will begin at 9 a.m., with visitation to follow until 11:30 a.m. at the church. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Rick Jones officiating.
Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville (next to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome. com.
Ford & Sons Funeral Home-Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.
