Donna M. Janssen

Donna Marie (Lavey) Janssen passed away on November 19, 2023, just two days short of her 93rd birthday.

Donna was born in Brillion, WI, to the late Earl and Viola Lavey on November 21, 1930. She graduated from De Pere High School where she met the love of her life, Ken Janssen. She was working as a telephone operator at the De Pere phone company after graduation. When Ken joined the Navy, Donna traveled by train out to San Diego, where she resided with other Navy girlfriends and wives.

On June 17, 1950, upon their return to De Pere, Donna and her high school sweetheart tied the knot at St. Mary Parish in De Pere. They would enjoy 73 wonderful years together. The two were truly inseparable; the vow “’til death do us part” was modeled off the bond they shared. Ken preceded Donna in death mere months prior on August 2, 2023.

Donna and her sister Dorothy worked at the Chalet Supper Club in Green Bay when they were young. They resided together above the restaurant when they were working. They would later reside together again when Donna moved into the same assisted living facility as Dorothy until Donna’s passing. Dorothy’s presence with the family during Donna’s last days was a blessing and a comfort.

Donna was an inspirational wife, mother, and cook, raising four children with Ken. Over the years, she crocheted blankets for each generation of her family. These blankets continue to be cherished as a testament to her love.

During retirement, Ken and Donna spent many winters at their condo in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The door was always open to welcome family and friends.

Donna was a wonderful role model for her family, always putting them first and loving them unconditionally. She will forever be remembered as a remarkable woman.

Donna is survived by her children Ken (Barb) Janssen, Sue (Dave) Woodke, and Jeff (Jill) Janssen; grandchildren Lisa (Reuben) Phillips, Tiffany Janssen (Ben), Josh Franken, Chris “Chip” Woodke (Fiancée Brandi McVeigh), Lauren (Travis) Van Straten, and Jessie (Karl) Nimmer; great-grandchildren Jackson, Lily, Milah, Martin, Jaeger, and Sylvie; sister Dorothy Janssen; and brother-in-law Carl Christensen.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Borta, son-in-law Pat Borta, and sister Audrey Christensen.

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, November 28 from 9:00am to 10:45am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am, with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Her final resting place will be the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

Cotter Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolence may be made by visiting www.cotterfuneralhome.com