Donna Mae Klarner

Donna Mae Klarner passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 5, 2025, 8 days before her 88th birthday.

She was born January 13, 1937, to Othmar & Caroline Hartmann in Brillion, Wisconsin. While growing up in Brillion, Donna Mae created her first memories with her siblings: David, Betsy, Mary Lou and Dennis (who survives).

Donna Mae began her own family when marrying Cyril Joseph Klarner on February 1, 1958, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 1986. She was a caring mother to: Jeffrey Klarner, Dan (Patricia) Klarner, Mark (Mark) Klarner, Linda (Joseph) Huettner, Kurt (Lisa) Klarner, Michael (Beth) Klarner & Carrie (Clint) Peterson. 

She was blessed with 12 grandsons and 4 great grandchildren.

Grandchildren: Andrew (Rayna), Brandon (Whitney), Tyler (Hannah) Klarner; Matthew, Patrick (Leslie), Christopher (Erika) Huettner; Justin (Michelle), Nicholas (Andrea), Jake (Megan) Klarner; Joshua (Laura), Austin (Renee), Alex (special friend Rayna) Klarner.

Great Grandchildren: Clayton & Aubrey; Lucas; and Marley.

Always with a gentle heart Donna Mae loved her family and friends. Providing for us in so many ways and creating traditions and memories to last us a lifetime. Throughout the years she enjoyed baking, gardening, canning, crafting, ceramics, bowling, Red Hat outings with Mary Lou, reading and word searches. Her loving heart, Christian faith and sweet sassiness will continue to live on through us. 

We are forever grateful to her devoted daughter Linda and son-in-law Joseph for their heartfelt care over the last year. There she was able to receive loving care in return. From “Lucy I’m Home” kisses to good food, late night tv watching and naps, she was loved beyond measure, and we are so appreciative. A wonderful preparation for entering God’s Kingdom and joining those who have passed before her.

We will miss her dearly and know that every cardinal we see will remind us of her. Mom, you now have your wings, fly high forever and watch over us! We love you forever…until we meet again.

Private family service will be held. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Appleton.