Donna Schneider

Donna M. Schneider passed away peacefully at age 91 at Skaalen Retirement Services under the exceptional care of Agrace Hospice Care in Stoughton, WI.

Born on January 7, 1935, to Henry Alois Raymond Hillesheim and Anna Celia Juenemann. Donna grew up on the family farm near Sleepy Eye, MN, attended catholic school and graduated from Saint Mary’s High school in Sleepy Eye.

Donna met the love of her life, Donald Dale Schneider – the two were married on January 4, 1956, in Sleepy Eye, MN and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children: David, Dawn, Debra and Donovan.

Donna worked several jobs including being a Bell telephone operator in New Ulm, MN, special needs assistant in Owen and then part of the office staff at the Stoughton Courier Hub newspaper. Early on her focus was raising their four children and managing the family finances. She was always the “go to” person for support and advice.

Donna and Donald left Minnesota for his work in education and settled first in Somerset, WI, followed by Glidden, Lake Holcome, Owen, and finally in Stoughton, WI, in 1979 where she lived until her death.

Donna’s hobbies included playing cards especially bridge, socializing with family and friends including those at the various “winter” homes in Arizona, Texas and Florida. She was an avid reader, loved her dogs, and enjoyed watching birds. She also liked doing the puzzles in the newspaper - word jumble, sudoku, and crossword puzzles. And, was a piano player and sang in the church choir.

Donna was a charitable person – donating to numerous charities over the years.

Donna is survived by her children: David (Barbara), Dawn, Deb and Donovan (Debbie). Donna felt very fortunate to have a large loving family including six grandchildren: Melissa, Ryan, Angela, Teresa (Max), Nicholas (Bailey) and Lauren; seven great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Kaylan, Isabella, Brooklyn, Ryan Jr., Davion and Eowyn; and one great-great-grandchild: Nova.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, Henry and Anna, siblings Donald, Alfred, and Beatrice, and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 323 N Van Buren St, Stoughton followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at St. Ann Cemetery, 2504 County Hwy A, Stoughton, WI 53589. All are invited to a luncheon at St. Ann’s Church after the burial.

Special thanks to Skaalen Heritage team – Tammy, Zach, Jordan, and Natalie. Thanks also to Agrace Hospice care givers for their expert care and compassion, especially Elena and Angie. Also, thanks to Dr. Agni for managing Donna’s care all these years along with Jesse from Village Caregiving.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul.