Donna Elsie Knauer

On Sunday, July 15, 2018, Donna Elsie Knauer (Cleland), mother, wife, daughter, sister, and Grandma Donna to all, passed away at the age of 95 years.

Donna was born in Gleason, WI on August 25, 1922. She was the third of five siblings, all of whom preceded her in death (Willie, Ernie, Clee Stoegbauer and Tillie Luft).

She married Martin Knauer on August 23, 1943 and is survived by their four children, Jim (Sue), Port Washington, WI, Marcia (Tony) Rechner, Appleton, WI, Tom (Debbie) Luxemburg, WI and Kris (Pat) Killoren, Menasha, WI. Donna was also close with her step-sons, Rudolph and William, both of whom preceded her in death, as well as their children.

Together with Marty, Donna owned and operated Belling Pharmacy as the family business for more than 20 years.

Donna had a wonderful zest for life and she will be fondly remembered for her sassy attitude, sense of humor and that special twinkle in her eye. She loved holidays, with the Fourth of July parade in Baileys Harbor and Christmas celebrations at her Pierce Court home among her favorite times. Anyone who has played against her in a card or dice game can attest to her competitive spirit. She had an artistic flair and a love for flowers, as well a passion for yachting. She spent much of her time on the Fox River in Appleton and on Lake Michigan in Door County, enjoying the water. Donna’s primary residence was in Appleton and she spent summers in Door County, creating generations of special memories. She loved visiting local establishments and sharing laughs with family and friends.

She will be greatly missed by her children, her seven grandchildren; Coni (Pat) Farragher, Evanston, IL, Meghan (Dan) Wallace, Excelsior, MN, Angi (Ryan) Weyers, Appleton, WI, Emily (Hani) Killoren, Austin, TX, Andy (Denise) Knauer, Random Lake, WI, Kasey Killoren, Menasha, WI and Nick (Jackie) Knauer, Iola, WI, as well as her nine great-grandchildren; Libby Gill, Quinn Farragher, Colin Farragher, Owen Wallace, Maggie Farragher, Lauren Wallace, Anthony Weyers, Noah Wallace and Miles Shafi.

The family would like to thank the loving staff at Brewster Village for taking such good care of Donna’s medical and emotional needs. She loved getting her hair, makeup and nails done and jumped at the chance to represent Brewster Village during the Appleton Christmas Parade. All of the families at Brewster, along with the doctors, nurses and CNAs, were truly an extension of Donna’s family and she loved celebrating special moments and holidays with them – especially the Halloween costume party!

Our memories with Donna will be treasured and shared with future generations. She will be dearly missed and in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Donna’s life is scheduled for Friday, August 24 from 12 -2:30 p.m. at the Appleton Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Donna’s favorite spots in Door County, The Ridges Sanctuary. Donations in her memory can be sent to The Ridges Sanctuary, P.O. Box 152, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, or online at ridgessanctuary.org/donate.