Donna Marie Kirschenmann
August 01, 1954 - April 29, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-Donna Kirschenmann, age 63, died on April 29, 2018, after suffering strokes and complications from an infection in her heart. Donna was born on Aug. 1, 1954, to Ray and Maxine (Hanes) Kirschenmann in Huron, S.D. She graduated from Williston High School in North Dakota, University of North Dakota, and attained a Master of Social Work degree from UW-Madison. She fell in love with Madison’s fall colors while touring the country and made it her home for over 35 years. She has touched the lives of many through her work and involvement at Briarpatch Youth Services, Luke House Community Meal Program, Madison Friends Meeting, and Emerson and Sandburg Elementary schools. Donna is survived by sons, David and Todd Schlaefer; their father, John Schlaefer; mother, Maxine; sister, Jean (Joel Bradshaw); and niece Rachel. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray; and sister, Lori. A memorial service for Donna will be held at the MADISON FRIENDS MEETINGHOUSE, 1704 Roberts Ct., Madison, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the American Friends Service Committee. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Memorial Service
Sun May 6, 2018 @ 2:00 PM CDT
Madison Friends Meetinghouse • 1704 Roberts Court, Madison, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Donna have been shared yet.
Memories
DS
David Schlaefer
Other •
We had been posting updates on Donna at https://posthope.org/donna-kirschenmann while she was in the hospital and after her death. We'll continue to update with more details about the memorial service as needed.
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Gina Anderson Richardson
Other •
Ms. Donna was the heart and soul of Sandburg. We will all miss her more than anyone could know. I will miss popping popcorn, and cleaning up after events, but more than anything, I will miss her thank you cards. She was at school so often, I teased my boys that she lived there in a secret room. They thought I was telling the truth, but she never did reveal that room. Our thoughts are with her family who she adored!
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Mel Morgenbesser
Other •
On behalf of the School of Social Work at UW-Madison we send our condolences on Donna's passing. She was a well-respected social worker and I personally remember her from her work at Briarpatch. We will note Donna's passing in our next Alumni Magazine.
Mel Morgenbesser
Alumni Relations and Developement
School of Social Work, UW-Madiosn
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Julio Molina
Other •
Some people pass through this world leaving behind a legacy of service & commitment for the common good of others. Such is the legacy left behind by this wonderful lady, who lived to serve, who led others by serving them; touching and transforming so many lives in this process. Donna, your legacy of love and service will never be forgotten by those whom- like I did- had the pleasure to ever meet you. You are one of the most stoic people I ever met- and probably will ever meet- in the years of my life.. I still have the book you gave me - by Dr. Seuss- on occasion of finishing my college degree as a working adult.. It has a colorful cover, with this legend announcing its title " Oh The Places You'll Go!"... I am sure I'll meet you someday there- as surely we all will- at that very special place where you are now!- Hasta la victoria siempre!
Julio Molina
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RobnAlice Severson
Other •
Deepest and heartfelt sympathies from Rob and Alice Severson. Donna is our friend, and in fact came to our wedding as a witness. Her presence was a blessing and served to reinforce our already proud and certain decision to be wed. When Donna approves, you know it's right.
About Donna, let me say only this: Donna is the very essence of earthly wisdom: Kind and forgiving as summer breeze, imposing as mountain when need be, but most of all Donna is as dedicated and sure as a river... lending her resources to any who were in need.
You can bet, given how many of us love her and how she loves us that wherever she may be today... Donna *IS*. Why? Because any entity that loves and is loved has an essence that endures in perpetuity. The world is going to be a far less interesting and certainly a less organized place, but neither we nor Donna will end that enduring cycle, will we?
With much love and sympathies,
Rob and Alice Severson
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Mikayla Gander
Other •
I am so sad to hear about this! I just saw her, and the fact that she is gone is crazy... I remember her being at Sandburg when I was there, and then with my little brother, and then with my sister... I spoke to her and she was always so friendly and the fact that she could remember me every time I saw her after so many faces have come across her made me feel great. She’s gonna be missed so much...