Donna Jean Wagner

Donna Jean Wagner, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at her home in Shawano. Donna was born in Racine on Aug. 2, 1933, to the late Edward and Florence (LaLonde) Henry. Donna initially worked for St. Mary’s Hospital and worked for many years at the Sturtevant Farm and Fleet before retiring and moving to Shawano.

In her younger years while working at Kilbourn Gardens Supper Club, she met Gladys Knight and the Pips. They loved their time with her and always requested her as their server when they passed through town.

To keep herself busy during retirement, Donna went back to work at Ace Hardware in Shawano, continuing to share her knowledge and experience, in plumbing and electrical, with others. She also volunteered at the local election polls for many years. She was a former president of ThedaCare Auxiliary also serving in numerous other roles over the years.

Donna was always a people person with the ability to really connect with others and make lifelong friends. She was an ambitious, tenacious woman with a can do attitude. She enjoyed gardening and kept her yard and home looking great well into her eighties.

She is survived by her children, John Jensen, Craig (Kim) Jensen, Scott (Georgia) Jensen, Jill (Mark) Helding, William (Jodi) Jaklich and Jeffrey Jaklich; 11 grandchildren, Christopher (Holly) Jensen, Matthew Jensen, Kevin (fiancé Fawn) Helding, Chad (Amie) Helding, Melinda (Jon) Shaurette, Jean Jensen, Amanda Jaklich, Joseph (Emily) Jaklich, Meagan (Andrew) Baugher, John (Athalia) Lee, and Amy (Rich) Meyer; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Donna is further survived by numerous friends and wonderful neighbors, Marve and Sue Cribb who watched over her and were always willing to lend a helping hand.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Terry, her parents, and lifelong childhood friend for over 70 years, Fran Nielson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Donna’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to ThedaCare at Home Hospice, especially Jolene, Krista, Katie S., Katie K., Audra, Heather, Pastor Stuart, Pete from Meals on Wheels, and Debbie, her housekeeper. Without them, Donna would never have been able to pass so peacefully in her own home.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com