MADISON - Donna Vandrell, age 92, passed away on March 8, 2026, after a brief illness with her family by her side.

Donna was born on April 30, 1933, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mary Horan. She lived on the family farm until she was 8 years old, the family then moved to Spencer, Iowa.

Donna graduated from Spencer High School and then attended Iowa State Teachers College. After college, she went on to teach third grade in both Mallard and Davenport Iowa schools. On February 9, 1957, she married the love of her life, Roger Earl Vandrell. The couple moved to Madison, Wis., where they raised their children, Vicki and (Roger) Scott.

Donna was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She served on the board of Black Hawk Council as camp-chairman. She received the Girl Scout "Thanks" badge. Donna was a member of Kayra, an organization for widows and widowers where she served as secretary for many years. She volunteered at Olbrich Gardens for over 26 years, a job she enjoyed very much. She was a world traveler, having traveled to all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Donna's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Dennis) Hoagland of Madison, Wis.; son, Roger (Sherry) Vandrell of Monmouth, Maine; and grandsons, Matt, Justin (Amanda) and Tyler (Katie); great-granddaughters, Hannah and Hailey Hoagland; sister, Sharon Schacherer; sister-in-law, Marilyn Vandrell; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, John and Mary Horan; and infant siblings, John, James and Pamela Sue.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be gifted in Donna’s name to St. Dennis Parish or Olbrich Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Donna M Vandrell

April 30, 1933 - March 08, 2026

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