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

Donna Catherine Jahnke

March 24, 1951 - July 08, 2025

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