WAUNAKEE - Donna J. Austin, 87, passed away peacefully, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s on Friday, April 22, 2022. She was born on Aug. 15, 1934, in Madison, Wis., to Leo and Mildred Cook.

Growing up in the city, she attended Spring Harbor Grade School, then graduated from Madison East High School, class of ’52.

Donna married her high school sweetheart, Orval Austin, of Portage, Wis., on June 27, 1952, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison. After Orv’s service with the U.S. Army, in Baltimore, Md., they returned to Madison. They built their home on the north side of Madison and raised three children.

Donna was a sports fan! She cheered on the Badgers and Packers. She was an avid golfer - belonging to women’s golf leagues at Cherokee Golf Course and Monona. She enjoyed travelling to visit Orv’s family in Elko, Nev., and visiting her sister, Dot, and family in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring.

Donna enjoyed working as a bookkeeper for Cherokee Country Club for 25 years, retiring in 1995. Orv worked for the Madison Fire Department - EMS. He died in 1990, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Donna is succeeded in life, by her daughter, Susan (Jeff) Dunn; son, Terry (Catherine Neumann) Austin; and son, Scott (Brenda) Austin; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; former husband, Allan Underberg; sister, Dorothy Sparks; and special friend, John Cook.

A special “Thank you” for the loving care of the nurses and entire staff at Home Again in Waunakee. Also, so very grateful for the support, care and visits from Agrace.

As Mom wished, she will be cremated and buried with Orval, at Roselawn Memorial Park at a private service. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in June.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin or Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Donna Joan Austin

August 15, 1934 - April 22, 2022

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