Dona Mae Michel

Dona Mae Michel, 86 of La Crosse passed away Monday, December 2, 2013 at the Bethany-Riverside Nursing Facility. She was born, on April 19, 1927 in La Crosse, the oldest of 14 children to Alois and Evelyn (Schubert) Hansen, Sr. Dona graduated from Aquinas High School in 1945 and on November 20, 1947 she married Robert E. Michel at St. Matthews Parsonage in Stoddard, WI. Robert preceded her in death on March 22, 1995.

Dona worked with Robert on their 5th generation farm in Romance, WI for 35 years. She also served as a cook for the Romance School and also worked at the Romance Store. She later worked as a tax preparer for H&R Block in La Crosse for over 25 years. Dona was a member of St. James PCCW and served on the Board of the German Cemetery.

Dona is survived by four children; Rita (Steve) Krueger of La Crosse, Mark Michel of Romance, WI, Geri (Raleigh) Fox of Genoa, WI and Beth Michel of La Crosse; 7 grandchildren, Thadius, Amber and Garrett Krueger, Monica McCollough, Gail (Chris) Schauer and Robert Michel, and Robin (Matt) Barth; eight great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Krueger, Colton, Kynnedie, Alec, Ashley and Josh Schauer, Jocelyn and Ethan Barth; nine brothers and sisters; Bonnie Jean Tschumper of Houston, MN, Betty Lou (Paul) Strong of La Crosse, James (Phyllis) Hansen of Onalaska, Thomas (Terry) Hansen of McMinnville, OR, John Hansen of Burbank, CA, Bernette Albitz , Michael Hansen, Robert (Sandra) Hansen and Peter (Cheryl) Hansen all of La Crosse; two sisters-in-law, Marian Hansen and Sharon Hansen both of Greybull, WY along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Robert, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Alois, Jerome and Patrick; a sister, Mary Jane Hofslien; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn (Minard) Michel; a granddaughter, Angel Michel; three brothers-in-law, Ray Strong, Norbert Tschumper and Howard Hofslien and one sister-in-law, Carol Hansen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, December 9th at St. James the Less Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Schaller officiating. Burial will be held in the German Cemetery, Genoa Township at a later date. Friends and family may call at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to St. James the Less Parish, Aquinas High School or an organization of choice.

Donas family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Bethany-Riverside for the care Dona received and for their tremendous comfort and support.