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

Donna M. Shakstad

May 20, 1938 - November 13, 2025

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