Donna M. Spangler

Donna M. Spangler (1937 – 2025)

Donna M. Spangler, 87, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, friends, and her loving care team at Eagle Crest South on Friday, January 24, 2025, in the early morning hours. She was born in La Crosse on August 16, 1937, to the late Herbert and Bernice Schroeder and was raised in the serene Chipmunk Coulee with her three sisters Geri (Dan) Hess, Pat (Lee) Strasser, Barb (LaVerne) Urbanek and her brother Ken (Rita) Schroeder.

Donna, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born into a life filled with love, hard work, and laughter. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and cherished walking to and from school with her siblings. Life on the farm shaped Donna’s character, teaching her responsibility and instilling a strong work ethic, qualities that stayed with her throughout her life. One of her fondest memories was milking her cow, Blossom, a simple yet meaningful part of her daily life. She graduated from Central High School in 1954. 

On June 7, 1955, Donna married the love of her life, James “Jim” Spangler. Their wedding day was a celebration of love surrounded by family, friends, and her cherished lifelong companions, “The Golden Girls.” These treasured friendships spanned decades, creating a lifetime of laughter, travel, and joy. Donna often reflected on the many memories she shared with her girlfriends and their husbands, from dinners to events that brought them closer through good times and bad.

In 1971, Donna and Jim purchased a lot on Lake Holcombe and began spending every possible free moment camping by the lakeside. The couple eventually built their dream summer lake home, “The Lot of Happiness,” which became the site of many summer gatherings with family and friends. In 1982 they sold their beautiful home in Chipmunk Coulee, which was right next to her parents’ farm, and purchased a condominium in Seminary Park. This allowed them to begin spending more time traveling. They loved to take cruises and spend time in Florida.

In 2015, Donna and Jim sold their beloved home at Lake Holcombe and settled once again in La Crosse into their new home at The Brickyard on Millatti Lane, but the memories of their time at the lake remain deeply cherished. The lake was a place where summers were filled with family, friends, and laughter, from deer hunting to sun-soaked days on the water. Donna found joy in hosting gatherings, ensuring everyone felt welcome and loved. Her joy was immeasurable when they would gather at the lake, creating cherished memories together. Whether it was fishing, swimming, or going for pontoon boat rides, every moment was special. Jim always ensured they brought along the “Little Blue Jug” so they could share a Manhattan and make every outing together even more meaningful.

Donna was a woman of many talents and passions including gardening, baking, boat rides, water skiing, fish fries, and spending time with her family. She especially cherished the tradition of “The Lot of Happiness,” a time of shared joy with her extended family. Her summers at Lake Holcombe were a highlight, and she became active in the Lions Club and volunteered annually at “Fishing Has No Boundaries,” helping adults with disabilities experience the joy of fishing. She also participated in the Homemakers Club, finding joy in delivering meals to families in need. A woman of deep faith, she was an integral part of the St. Pius Church community, dedicating her time to church and school activities. While in Florida Donna also volunteered weekly in the thrift store for St. Francis X Cabrini Church with her sister, Geri. She also worked as a bookkeeper for her family business, Chipmunk Construction.

 After many years of dedicated work at Sue Kolve’s Salon & Day Spa, where she handled administrative and front desk responsibilities with warmth and grace, Donna retired and began enjoying new adventures with Jim. The couple traveled south to Florida each winter, building friendships and memories that they carried with them when they returned to La Crosse.

Donna’s greatest pride and joy were her three children, Randy, Rick, and Sue. She often expressed how proud she was of them, supporting them with unwavering love and encouragement. When her grandchildren arrived, Donna extended the same unconditional love and devotion to each of them. She delighted in family gatherings, especially at the lake, where fishing, swimming, pontoon rides, and sharing a Manhattan from the “Little Blue Jug” became cherished family traditions.

In May 2023, Donna moved to Eagle Crest South, Memory Care Unit 2. She quickly developed a deep appreciation for the compassionate staff and care team, often referring to them as family. She would say daily, “I’m so blessed to be here. They take such good care of me.” In October 2024, Jim joined Donna at Eagle Crest, and they were reunited, bringing comfort and joy to them both. 

Donna is survived by her loving husband of nearly 70 years, James “Jim” Spangler; her children, Randy (Mary) Spangler, Sue (Bill Feehan) Kolve-Feehan, and Rick (Tai Lea) Spangler; her sisters, Pat Strasser, Barb (LaVerne) Urbanek; her brother, Ken (Rita) Schroeder; her sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Alan) Schmidt, Barb (Clark) Stange, and Pat (Vince) Hogden; her grandchildren, Jason Spangler, Amanda (Brian) Ferraro, Joshua (Bobbi) Spangler, Amy (Todd) Bina, Brandon (Amanda Berestynski) Kolve, and Cady Mattson; her great-grandchildren, Alice and Robbie Spangler, Skyla Gray, Wyatt Ferraro, Raistlin (Rebekah) Spangler, Bentley, Sorik, Xylus, Finley and Riven Spangler, Cohen and Rase Bakalars, Autumn and Chloe Bublitz; and her great-great-grandchild, Wrenly Spangler; her godsons, Rod Schroeder, Jeff Strasser and Don Hess; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Bernice Schroeder; sister, Geri Hess; brothers-in-law, Dan Hess and Lee Strasser; niece, Julie Hess; nephew, Dave Urbanek; and grandson Jason Spangler’s wife, Katie Spangler.

Donna’s life was a testament to the power of love, friendship, and devotion. Her warm heart, her ability to bring people together, and her infectious joy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved her.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Mary, Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston Street, La Crosse. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon at the church, with burial at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donna’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.