Donna M. Shakstad

Donna M. Shakstad

May 20, 1938 - November 13, 2025

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON - Donna M. Shakstad, age 87, of Madison, was called home on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Meriter Hospital. She was born the daughter of Glenn and Henrietta (Adler) Phippen on May 20, 1938, in Ashton Corners, WI.


Donna graduated from Edgewood High School in 1956. She was united in marriage to James Shakstad on July 14, 1956, in Madison. Together, they raised three daughters. Donna worked at MG&E for 20 years, retiring in 1997.


Donna cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. She especially loved the holidays and was famous for her Christmas cookies. She enjoyed camping, bowling, ceramics, playing cards, and walking in the pool for exercise. Donna never met a stranger and made friends easily wherever she went. She loved car races as well as cheering on her favorite teams-the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. She had the best of both worlds, spending summers at Willow Mill Campground in Rio, WI and winters in Mesa, AZ.


Donna is survived by her daughters, Karen (Duane) Leighton, Linda (Robert) Thompson, and Becky Lottes; grandchildren, Samantha (James) Percy, Bailey (Elliot Jezo-Sywulka) Lottes, and Brett (Keely Frankwicz) Lottes; step-grandchildren, Kristie Derra, Charitie Gannon, and Tigger Stroede; great-grandchildren, Jakob and Lucy Percy and Teddy Jezo-Sywulka; and sister-in-law, Gail Phippen. She is further survived by many step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; parents, Glenn and Henrietta; brother, Glenn Phippen; and sons-in-law, Scott Stroede and Tom Lottes.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in the Chapel on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11 a.m.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

25
Visitation
Tue Nov 25, 2025 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Queen of Apostles Parish, St. Dennis Church • 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714
Get Directions
25
Mass of Christian Burial
Tue Nov 25, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Queen of Apostles Parish, St. Dennis Church • 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714
Get Directions
25
Luncheon After Service
Tue Nov 25, 2025 @ 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM CDT
Queen of Apostles Parish, St. Dennis Church • 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714
Get Directions
26
Graveside Service
Wed Nov 26, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Resurrection Cemetery • 2705 Regent St., Madison, WI 53705
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Donna
No photos of Donna have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Donna
AS
A Memorial Tree was planted for Donna M. Shakstad
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
GK
Gloria Kuehn
Other •
Donna always had a special place in my heart. In many ways she was like an older sister, along with being my cousin. She was our Maid of Honor at our 1963 wedding. She organized several cousin reunions that coincided with My visits to Madison. You will be missed by so many. Gloria Kuehn
DD
Donna Dennis
Other •
I'm so sorry to hear about Donna! I was so lucky to have had her as a dear friend. I will always have so many fantastic memories of the fun times spent with her for more than 40+ years. Donna was a very happy, loving, caring, & a shining light at any get-together. She loved her family So Much & totally loved her time spent with them. I'll never watch a Packers or Badgers game without thinking about Donna, & the love she had for her teams. I can still hear her cheering for them.🥰 With Deepest Sympathy & Hugs, Love, & Prayers for the families!! 💕🙏🙏💕. Donna Dennis
VT
Virginia Thomas
Other •
Condolences and Prayers to Donna's family and friends. Donna was a neighbor of mine in Mesa and I met her when she invited me to join a chair exercise class. When she moved back to Wisconsin she said she attended a similar class. Donna was such a lovely person and I viewed her as a social butterfly. She went to many activities in our senior park and hosted many gatherings in her home . She will be missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her
SP
Sharon Patton
Other •
Donna was the sweetest person I have ever known. She always was friendly and kind. I enjoyed playing dominoes with her at Frostwoods. She will be greatly missed. Sending prayers to her family while they are going through this rough & difficult time. May god wrap his arms around you all as you go through these next few days. She will be greatly missed by all at Frostwoods. Her friend Sharon Patton
JW
Jeanne Poupore, Fred Buchan and Lori Wilke
Other •
Thanks for the Memories. Miss you.

Memorial video

Share memorial