Donna Lynn Dorn, age 52, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday May 19, 2023, in Appleton after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Donna was born in Chilton, Wisconsin on June 9, 1970, daughter of Marian (Fisch) Dorn and the late Dennis Dorn. Donna spent her early years in St. John followed by several years in Algonquin, IL (where she developed her love for the Chicago Bears) and then a final move to Shawano where she graduated from Gillett High School with the class of 1991. Donna was a ray of sunshine with a contagious smile for everyone she met. She had a never-ending enthusiasm for the people and the places of Shawano. She was the #1 fan in the stands cheering on nearly every sporting event in the community. Over the years, Donna has worked at Lakeland Industries, worked for several Shawano restaurants and most recently she worked at Charlie’s County Market.
On Saturday evenings in the summer, you could always find Donna sitting amongst friends, supporting the racers at the Shawano Speedway. Donna had her favorite drivers and would sport different hats in the same night; sometimes even helping in the pits. Donna’s other passions included bowling, Special Olympics volleyball, track and swimming, Red River Riders, and an unwavering belief that the Bears would always beat the Packers. She was a dedicated member of Life Church where she was spiritually and emotionally nurtured. Donna had a heart of gold and made every day count. She was always quick to lend a helping hand to others and never forgot a birthday. Donna was truly a great and inspirational woman whose impact will be forever felt by her family and friends. Donna’s passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of all that knew and loved her.
Donna is survived by her mother, Marian; siblings, David (Cindy Rudnac) of Surprise, AZ, Daniel of Atlanta, GA, Denise (Ted) Knutson of Onalaska, WI, Diane (Bill Dowell) of Ringwood, IL, Duane (Shari) of Middleton, WI, Dominic (Uma) of Salt Lake City, UT and Deborah (Carl) Runck of Chaska, MN; sister-in-law, Laura of Chicago, IL; and godson, Zachary (Ashlynne) Knutson of Onalaska, WI. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Donna is preceded in death by her father, Dennis and a brother Douglas.
A funeral service for Donna will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday June 1, 2023, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano, with Pastor Michael McKinnies officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday May 31, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and then again on Thursday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Shawano Special Olympics, Red River Rides, or Life Church.
Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate staff at Cherry Meadows in Appleton. In addition, the family would like to thank all the amazing friends that supported and cared for Donna over the years, especially Heather Frederick, Toni Hacker, Pastor Michael and Christine McKinnies.
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