Donna K. Finn

Donna K. Finn, age 76, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born on September 3, 1947 in Richland Center, WI to Harold and Bernice (Rux) McClary.

Donna was proudly raised on a farm in Eagle Corner in Richland County. In 1965 upon graduating from High School enrolled in Secretarial School in Winona, MN. Upon graduating from Secretarial School she started her long loyal career at UW-LaCrosse. She married James “Jim” Finn on May 29, 1971 at Roncalli Newman Center in La Crosse. Together they purchased a home they loved and shared for 42 years on Main Street. They traveled throughout all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. They visited Canada and Ireland and wintered the months of January and February each year in Punta Gorda, FL.

She worked for 39 years as an Administrator Assistant for UW-La Crosse in different departments such as Student Activities, Physics, International Education, and the Health Science Center. Donna truly impacted and supported the lives of countless college students and assisted many professors. If you had a question or needed help, the response was, “Ask Donna, she knows!” Her ability to use shorthand and type at fast speeds will never be forgotten.

Upon retiring from UWL in 2005, she decided to dedicate her time to local clubs and volunteering in her community. For nearly 30 years she and Jim belonged to The Greater La Crosse Area Shamrock Club. She was the Shamrock Club Irish Rose in 1995. She was Membership Chair and served on the board for 10 years. She also volunteered at La Crosse Irishfest. She was also in the Red Hat Society posing in their calendar and contributing to that organization with a great group of women. Donna was also recognized for volunteering over 1,000 hours at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse. She enjoyed greeting and transporting patients throughout the clinic. Donna served as a devoted volunteer at the La Crosse County Historical Society for roughly 20 years. As a Docent at the Hixon House, she gave tours to hundreds of people. As Lead Docent, she trained many others to give tours, and as a Board Member, she also helped lead the organization. While on the board, she served as secretary. No one loved the Hixon House more than she did.

Donna also found enjoyment in her beautiful gardens and amazing houseplants(especially violets). Always picking a fresh bouquet of her flowers for family and friends. Other hobbies included framing her impressive cross stitching masterpieces, knitting blankets, general sewing/sewing clothes for her grandkids American girl dolls, card making, and decorating for all the Holidays. Cooking and baking dozens of different types of cookies and baked goods, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. She was an incredible host. She always had the latest recipe or kitchen gadget and welcomed you over for cocktails and dinner as she worked away in the kitchen. Above all, she always enjoyed time with her Grandkids.

She is survived by her daughter Bridget (Tim) Haverland of La Crosse, son Colin (Kristy) Finn of Mondovi, WI, seven grandchildren Ellie, Quade, Cole, Autumn, Kylie, Jake and Satchel, brother William “Bill” (Jan) McClary, aunt Betty Unbehaun, uncle Charlie McClary, and two nieces Heather and Kristy. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents Harold and Bernice McClary, and uncle Gene Rux.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13th St., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Schumacher -Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S. La Crosse on Wednesday, February 28th from 4-6 PM and again at the church on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.

The family would also like to THANK the staff at Spring Brook Village of La Crescent-Memory Care 2, for the great care and dignity they showed Donna and her family the past year and a half. We appreciate you! We also want to THANK the staff at Mayo Clinic Hospital Emergency Room, 9th Floor Hospital staff, and Mayo Clinic Hospice.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the La Crosse Historical Society or La Crosse Area Shamrock Club.