Donna J. Franzwa, age 87 of Eleva, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire. She was born on July 19, 1931 in Durand, the daughter of George and Severina (Wollum) Schulner. She married Donald "Doc" Franzwa on December 17, 1949 in Mondovi and were able to share 61 years together before Doc passed away on September 11, 2011. She and Doc raised their family on the farm were they worked and lived for over 50 years. Donna loved animals and saw to the care of all the calves from 120 cows. She would also prepare lunch for her family and farm crew and served it out on the field. Donna loved spending time outdoors either working hard in her flower beds and garden or just resting on her chair on the porch. She also loved her John Deere tractor and always looked forward to cutting grass on it. In Doc and Donna's free time, they occasionally made trips to the casino. Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
She will be sadly missed by her five children, Jerry (Jen) Franzwa of Eleva, Dan Franzwa of Mondovi, Patsy Serum of Mondovi, Nancy Urness (special friend Dean Wilcziek) of Eleva, and Peggy Shilha (special friend Troy Leiphart) of New Auburn; six grandchildren; Shannon (Mike) Beighley, Paul (Heather) Franzwa, Kelly(David) Wallerman, Ben (Kacie) Franzwa, Eric (Nicki) Olson, Shane Urness (Ashley); 13 great grandchildren; great-great granddaughter, Josie who shares Donna's birthday; sister, Betty (Bill) Wolf; sisters-in-law, Jean, Marlene, Evelynn and Carol; brother-in-law, DeWayne; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doc; great grandchild, Rayah Grace Franzwa and 4 siblings, Lois, George, John and Shirley.
A funeral service will be held at Central Lutheran Church, Mondovi on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 11:00 am with Pastor Rolf Morck officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Riverside Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and then again one hour prior to the service on Monday.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mondovi Ambulance and the first responders and to the nursing staff on the 2nd floor/CCU at Sacred Heart Hospital.