Donna Fuelleman

MADISON/RHINELANDER- Donna (Bohnsdahl) Fuelleman died on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born Oct. 28, 1931, in Beloit, to Walter R. and Hazel (Roepcke) Bohnsdahl. Donna spent most of her childhood in Rhinelander and then attended the UW-Whitewater. She later attended the UW-Madison where she met and married Lawrence Fuelleman. They had five children and later divorced. Donna was a lover of life, passionate about social justice issues. She worked to end war since the time of Vietnam and including the current wars. Donna was especially proud of her work with the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 70s and would share stories of her work with Fannie Lou Hamer with friends, even as her memory failed in recent years. She made beautiful quilts that are cherished by the family and friends who received them as gifts and she surrounded herself with people who shared her passion for life. Donna was an active member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and supported the protests against Act 10. She was a proud "tree hugger" and had a special love for an American Sycamore tree on Madison's west side. Donna loved to garden and often ran out to "pick a salad" when it was time for dinner. She also loved to camp and enjoy Wisconsin's natural beauty. She shared a poetry group, a walking group and a big brunch bunch with a group of amazing women. Donna is survived by four children, Lisa, Amy (Dave Evans), David (Jennifer) and Sarah; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Drew Giles), Rachel (Brian Bennetts), David (Eddie Horton), Andrew, Michael and Zoë, Aryn (Jericho) Jurewicz, and Tim (Liz) Sweeney; four great-grandchildren, Aubri and Jaykob Jurewicz and Caroline and Colin Sweeney; and many cherished friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bruce; her ex-husband and dear friend, Lawrence; and daughter, Nina. Donna was loved by many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as a group of friends she marched with and knit with and sewed with for many years. The family has grateful and special thanks to Mary Weaver, who came into Donna's life in recent years and added spark and joy. We also have thanks to the caring staff at Avalon Assisted Living Community, especially those people in the Memory Care unit who provided care with grace, love and patience. A celebration of Donna's life will be held at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Donna will be buried at Natural Path Cemetery, part of the Linda and Gene Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability. She said she liked the idea of her body nourishing the plants and animals of the future. We think her heart will make the world strong. She had a plaque in her home that said "Bloom Where You Are Planted" and we believe that she did, and will. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the East Side Madison Coalition for the Aging, Agrace Hospice Care or the Linda and Gene Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420