Donna Catherine Jahnke

Donna Catherine Jahnke

March 24, 1951 - July 08, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our dear sister, Donna Catherine Jahnke, who passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 74.


Donna was born on March 24, 1951, in Appleton, Wis. She graduated from West DePere High School, class of 1969, and the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. She spent the majority of her career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as Assistant Dean in the College of Letters & Science Research Services and focused on Human Subjects research review. She retired after over 30 years of service at the university and college. She worked tirelessly to ensure that ongoing research met the highest level of ethical standards and legal compliance, while maintaining the important research mission of the university. Her outstanding commitment was recognized by the University with a Martha Casey Award for Dedication to Excellence in 2009. She was extremely proud of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her association with it.


Donna is survived by her siblings, Deb (Gary) Winters, Tim (Sharla) Jahnke and Ellen Jahnke (Kate Flynn). She is further survived by her nephews and niece, Adam (Lauren) Winters and their children, Ethan, Alexis, Aria and Jack; Andrew (Amanda) Winters and their children, Ava, Ella and Addie; Amanda (Cory) Inman and their children, Beau and Evelyn; Jake (Marie) Jahnke and their children, Nick and Nora; and Eric (Julie) Jahnke and their children, Jude, Jameson and Jordan; special aunt, Helen Lotzer; cousin, Jennifer Smith; numerous friends; and her beloved pet cat, Margie. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jack and Margaret Jahnke; special uncle, Clarence Lotzer; cousin, Matt Smith; great-nephew, Jonah Jahnke; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with Father Grant Thies presiding. A luncheon will follow at church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.
 

In lieu flowers, memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761



Events

16
Visitation
Wed Jul 16, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
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16
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Jul 16, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
16
Luncheon After Service
Wed Jul 16, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
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Donna
JS
John Stevenson
Other •
My condolences to Donna's family. I just want to know that I shared many wonderful conversations with Donna over the years. Sometimes discussing work, but even more often discussing our shared love… The Green Bay Packers. She and I were at the game together when Aaron Rodgers came back in the second after getting injured and beat the Bears on Monday night football. And I know Donna would love that I took a minute, and it's terrible time, and in her memory, to make fun of the Bears just one more time. I am seeing her big smile as I write this. And I'm sending my thoughts to her family, and letting them know those memories will stay with me forever.
LY
Laurel Yen
Other •
Good bye, my beloved friend. It hurts so much, but we shared so many great times together (especially at Packer games) and I will always have those cherished memories. Love you forever. Laurel
MH
Marina Haan
Other •
Donna was great friend: so smart, so witty, so full of life and fun. She was my astute political consultant. She shared her love of Door County and all things Irish and British. She was a wonderful hostess for brunches elevated by fancy china, special wine and teas, and scones. She loved her family and my heart goes out to them at the loss of this special person.
MF
Mary Anne Fitzpatrick
Other •
I worked with Donna for a number of years as a young faculty member and eventually as associate dean in the college. Donna was a warm and wonderful colleague committed to helping faculty and caring for the rights of research participants. Sincere condolences to Donna’s family and friends. Mary Anne Fitzpatrick
MR
Maggie Roth
Other •
Donna was a friend and colleague of mine at the college of L&S. We enjoyed working together on sticky problems, sharing stories and making L&S the best! She organized the L&S retirees coffee group to keep us connected. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family.
DP
Diane Pladziewicz
Other •
I have known Donna for 39 years. We worked together in L&S Dean’s office. She was more importantly a good friend. We had many fun times together and she also took me to my first Packer game. She will be missed. Thinking of her family and sending my thoughts and prayers. Diane Pladziewicz

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