Dona J. Jahnke

Dona J. Jahnke (nee Bradshaw), age 89 of Little Chute, WI passed away after a brief battle with cancer on June 3, 2022.  She was born on September 22, 1932 to Clarence and Jenny (King) Bradshaw.  Dona graduated from Eau Claire High School with the class of 1950.  She married the love of her life, Jerry Jahnke on July 18, 1953 in Eau Claire and together, they went on to raise 4 children.  She worked as a secretary for the Carpenter’s Union for over 20 years. 

Dona always said she was born with “wanderlust”.  Traveling was Dona’s passion and, with her husband, she traveled all over the world, including a 2-month trip to Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand.  She was a natural caregiver, fostering children besides her own throughout the years.   Dona cherished her time with family at her cottage.  She was also an avid casino-goer.  Dona insisted on living her best life to the very end and that’s exactly what she did. 

Dona was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her great-grandson, Forest; and her sister, Darlene. 

Dona is survived by her children, Jennifer (Thomas), Todd (Jeannine), William (Lori), and Bradley (Dianna); her sister, Janice; her grandchildren, Adam (Emily), Nick (Holly), Eric (Lacy), Emily, Andrew, Stefan (Lori), Collin (Raechel), Norah, and Oliviah; her great-grandchildren, Ian, Wyatt, Meadow, and Emeryk; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral visitation will be held for Dona on Saturday, June 11 from 10-11 AM at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a service to follow at 11 AM.  A luncheon will follow the service.  Dona will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society. 

The family extends a special thanks to ThedaCare At Home Hospice, especially her nurse, Amber.  Also a special thank-you to her caregiver and friend from Home Instead, Kathie.