Donna Lou Stalheim

MADISON-Donna Lou Stalheim left this world on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Richland Center on May 14, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Veronica (Reuter) Neu. In 1944 she entered Madison Central High School where she met the love of her life Richard “Lucky” Stalheim. They were married at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Madison on Oct. 25, 1952. They happily produced four beloved children. She called them God’s gifts to her. Donna was raised as an only child in a family filled with love and laughter, and the importance of family and her happy childhood was what she wanted for her family. This is the family life they maintained for their kids, their friends and an ever-present dog. Donna spent 15 years working in the cosmetic field. In 1983 her biography was entered in “Who’s Who Of American Women”. She left her position to care for her father in his final illness. In 1983 she reentered the work force at MATC as assistant to the Dean in the Agribusiness/Biotechnology division, where she received an Outstanding Employee Award in 1991. This Division included the Veterinary Technician program. This was perfect for Donna, because she would go visit the dogs in the kennels before she started her work day. In 1992 she retired to start the traveling years with her beloved, Lucky. Donna loved cruises, Las Vegas, slot machines, monthly breakfast and coffee with “the girls”, and having her family all together. Donna is survived by her husband and partner of 63 years, Lucky; her children, Randy (Patty) of Sun Prairie, Ron (Kelly) of Windsor, and Roxanne of Madison; grandchildren, Ryan (Robin) of Oregon, Rachel (Matt) of Waunakee, Talon of Windsor, and Krystal (Billy) of Madison; two great-grandchildren, Adelynn and Sara; many lifelong friends; and her beloved fur ball, Nitro. She was preceded in death by her parents, Veronica and Joseph Neu; her oldest son, Ric; twin babies; and a favorite aunt, Monica Reuter. A memorial service will be at ST. OLAF’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, at 1 p.m., on Friday, March 6, 2015 with Father Robert Butz presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Donna’s last message to us was not to grieve for her, but remember her and the good times we had. She wanted us to enjoy the rest of our lives. A couple of Mom’s favorite sayings were, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and “Life is too short to be anything but happy”. We would like to say a special thanks to Heartland Hospice, especially Paula, Hilda, Susan, Carmen, Wayne and of course, Kelly and the staff at Meadowmeare for their wonderful care and compassion. If you feel you want to contribute a memorial, we’re sure she would recommend Father Flanagan’s Boys Town in Omaha, Neb., who helps disadvantaged children, for which her oldest son, Ric had a passion. Other suggestions would be St. Olaf’s Catholic Church in DeForest or the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.