Donna Kessler

Donna L. (Onkels) Kessler passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 with family by her side, after a brief illness and a courageous 36 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

She was born February 27, 1937 to the late Paul and Myrtle (Stine) Onkels. She attended grade school at St. Mary Catholic School in Kaukauna. Donna graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1955. This is where she met the “Love” of her life, Bill Kessler. They united in marriage on October 19, 1957 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kaukauna. They had three children Greg, Sherie and Kaye.

Donna was a stay at home mom until her youngest was in grade school. She went back to school at Fox Valley Technical College where she graduated with a degree in business. She worked for the Kaukauna School District at Electra Quinney School as a secretary to the vice principal. She enjoyed her job immensely, and had to retire because of her deteriorated health due to the 1979 Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. We almost lost her in 1994, but she fought to be with her family several more years to see her grandchildren be born, get married and meet her great grandchildren.

On October 19, 2007 she and Bill renewed their wedding vows at St. Mary Catholic Church with family and friends to celebrate their “50th” wedding anniversary which was followed by a reception at The Fifth Quarter in Little Cute.

She was married 57 years to Bill, who was her best friend, love of her life, and devoted husband and caretaker up until her passing.

Donna served on the Board of Directors for the Kaukauna Alumni Association, and for the Kaukauna Athletic Club. She was also a member of Country Side Snowmobiling Club. Donna enjoyed bowling, shooting pool with her friends, knitting, camping, spending time at the cottage with her family, watching sunsets, and riding in the pontoon boat.

She is survived by her loving and caring husband, Bill; her children, Greg (Dana) Kessler, Sherie (Dennis) Maloney and Kaye (special friend Ty) Kessler Potter; grandchildren, Seychelle Kessler, Margaux Kessler, Jacqueline Kessler and Caroline Kessler, Doug (Erin) Janssen, Tim (Brittany) Janssen, Michael Janssen, Madison Maloney, James Maloney, and Bronson Potter; great grandchildren, Adalene Anne Janssen, Beckett William Janssen and a new great grand baby to arrive February 2016. Donna is further survived by her sister Jean Breit, Mary (Bob) Peterson her brother Glenn (Susan) Onkels; her in-laws Carl (Grace) Kessler, George (Pat) Kessler, Elizabeth Biestervald, Dave Coenen, Chris (Rob) Wierzbinski, and Judy Van Krey; and several nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Myrtle Onkels, father and mother-in-law Carl and Elizabeth Kessler, brothers-in-law, Cyril Breit, Raymond Biestervald, Joe Van Krey, and her sisters-in-law, Mary Van Krey, Joanne Coenen and a nephew Mark Kessler.

The funeral liturgy for Donna will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL, ST. MARY CHURCH, 119 W. Seventh Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Jerry Pastors officiating. Inurnment will take place in the parish cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 1:00 pm until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The Kessler family would like to thank St. Paul Elder Care Staff for all the compassion and exceptional care they showed Donna and her family while she was residing there.

Thank you to all the Hospice staff who helped the family during this very emotional and difficult time.

The family would also like to thank Fr. Jerry, Dr. Schoening, Dr. Lorbach, and the Fargo Funeral Home.

Donna, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma thank you for fighting a long courageous battle, so you could be with your family for a very long time. You will be forever in our hearts, we love you beyond words! Until we meet again…