Racine – Donna Mary (nee: DuQuette) Zehren, age 78, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday morning, September 24, 2013 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Donna was born in Milwaukee on August 28, 1935 to the late Stanley and Gladys (nee: Trembley) DuQuette. She graduated from St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac in 1953 where she was Prom Queen. As challenging as it was, Donna proudly attended her 60th class reunion this past Friday.
On May 7, 1955 in St. Louis Catholic Church – Fond du Lac, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, David Stanley Richard Arthur Zehren, who preceded her in death on December 29, 2009. Donna was employed as an executive secretary at Twin Disc for many years until her retirement in 2000.
With a profound Christian faith, she was an extremely active member of St. Lucy Catholic Church for over 20 years, where her family were the founding members of the 9:00 am “Mass on the Grass” guitar choir. For the past several years, she was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Donna was also a member of the International Administrative Assistant Professionals. Among her interests, she enjoyed playing cards – especially Sheepshead and Bridge; walking at Regency Mall; participating in Festival of Trees and the Twin Disc July 4th Parade Float; and had a life-long love of swimming. Above all, Donna cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family and friends.
Surviving are her children, Beth (William Trojanowicz) Zehren, Peter Zehren, John (Amy “Lexi”) Zehren, Jen (Steve) Olson; son-in-law, David Paap; grandchildren, Alisa (Kevin) Bendickson, Kevin Paap, Thomas (Diedre Carr) Surendonk, Laura (Dominic Corrao) Paap and Addison Zehren; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Brady and Ashlyn Bendickson; sister, Carol (Ralph) Steffen; brother, Thomas (Joyce) DuQuette; sister-in-law, Mary (Harold) Miller; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter, Jane Paap, on April 13, 2002; sisters-in-law, Rose (Kenneth) Diette, Carol Zehren, Mary Zehren and Audrey (John) Kremer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Interment, next to her beloved David, will take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday in St. Martin’s Cemetery – Ashford, WI. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 5-8 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9-10 am.
A special note of thanks to Esther, Melinda, Seasons Hospice and to everyone else who cared for, prayed for, and supported Donna during her journey with cancer. May God bless all of you!
CynDee Johnson-Kroll says
So special was Donna, that the world around her could not help but love her. I was blessed to have her in my life.
Diane Duerkop says
I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a beautiful lady. Love you Laura and Kevin!
Diane
Sara Jurena says
My condolences to Laura, Kevin and the entire Zehren family. Grandma Zehren was a truly kind and generous person with a wonderful sense of humor. I feel very blessed to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Antony and Cora Barran says
To my beautiful Aunt Donna –
I always have wonderful memories of you every time I see a collector ‘shoe’!
Love and Prayers to everyone!!
Gary Nosacek says
Such fond Thanksgiving memories with Donna, Peter and the family. She always seemed so happy to see us as the whole family blew in, and was thrilled to see how each kid had grown over the past year. Such appreciation for the small, yet important, things in life. We’ll still set a place for her come Turkey Day, as love and friendship like this never really pass away!!
Andrew Leith says
Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family during this difficult time. We grieve your loss and celebrate the life of your dear Mother.
With Warm Regards,
Your Family at the Field Museum
Nina, Andrew, Elana, Alan, Amy, Christine and Bernice
Joanna & Del Vaughn says
Our hearts go out to all of you. We hope your precious memories will help to bring you some comfort at this difficult time. Aunt Donna was so kind, thoughtful, caring and such a special person inside and out. I was so blessed to have her as my Aunt.
Dan Venne says
A great friend to all of us “guitar choir” members. We often felt like Donna was our own mother. Her beautiful smile, calm demeanor, and talented family have been a blessing to so many. She made a difference.
Sue Bessler says
Aunt Donna – you will be greatly missed by everyone in your family, and friends that equally love you. I am so grateful that you can now rest comfortably next to Dave.
God Bless….
Micky (Kremer) Zellner says
She greeted you like you were the only person in the world, so welcoming was her smile. Her calm voice and warm hands set you at ease in her presence and her sense of humor always caught you off-guard. Although she must have been in pain less than one year ago, she took the time to travel and attend my brother�۪s funeral, so caring was she. She was an exemplary model for all of us with her grace, poise and selfless outlook on life. There is no substitute for such a lovely lady. She will be truly missed. My heart goes out to all of my cousins. Love, Micky
Shirley Klinkhammer says
My association with Donna was through IAAP. She not only became a friend, but always had positive things to say even when others weren’t so positive. I hope that you find comfort knowing that she is now with her husband, David, her daughter and her dear friend Margaret G. God Bless all of you and I’ll pray that the Lord keeps you in his care.
will & ingrid braun says
to donna’s family
our deepest sympathy
thank you for the music at our
60th
springs class of 53
will braun ’53
John Kremer says
Ken Kuehn says
I will always remember visiting with Donna almost every Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. See was always a kind and loving person. She will be missed. My condolences to Peter and his entire family.
Loleta Nicholson says
You and your family are in my prayers. My sincerest condolences.
becky christoff says
Dear Beth: I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. My dad told me of her passing. I had such great sleep overs at your house when we were kids. She was a wonderful mother. My deepest sympathies, Becky Christoff