Donna Lefeber

Kaukauna - On Friday, February 19th Donna Lefeber, (loving mother, caring friend, and living angel) passed away peacefully in her own home surrounded by family and her beloved cats at the age of 61.  Donna was born in Stockbridge, WI to Walter and Lila (Rolf) Lefeber.  Donna attended Stockbridge High School and graduated salutatorian.  Donna worked for many years at St. Elizabeth (Ascension) Hospital in several different departments wherever she was needed and sold Lia Sophia jewelry to which she has an extensive collection.  Many of you know that Donna contracted cancer at the tender age of 26 and although she survived the very invasive cancer, the treatment she received took a tremendous toll on her physical wellbeing.  In her later years, she fought very hard to overcome the many medical challenges that this presented, often times becoming desperately ill only to rise again from the ashes like a Phoenix likely inspired by her fascination with the world of Harry Potter.  In the end, it was her heart, filled with so much love, that finally quieted her soul.  Donna was very artistic and an exquisite interior decorator who filled her home with many unique treasures for her family.  She was a fantastic shot at pool and won accolades shooting in various tournaments and leagues.  She was a great lover of animals and was always rescuing creatures that needed extra care, working hard to find each of them wonderful homes, often in the homes of her daughters.  She had a passion for fishing and spending time on the water or along the shores of Lake Winnebago near her childhood home.  She loved the sun and spent hours in it or traveling to warmer climates to enjoy it.  Every Sunday she could be found watching and sometimes yelling at the Packers as at times she had the mouth of a sailor.  She was tough as nails and survived many things to which a lesser person would have succumbed.  Donna had a passion for life and was very caring, compassionate, quick witted, fun, always up to play board games or cards.  She was devoted to the lives of her family and her cats.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter (Wally) Lefeber.  She is survived in life by her mother, Lila Lefeber, her sister Gail (Frank Matte) Eldred, her brother Steven (Brandi) Lefeber, daughters Sarah (Darren) Vande Hey, Jennifer (Adam) Uvaas, Dr. Lindsay (Michael) Dresang, her grandchildren, William and Madeline Vande Hey, and Anthony Caraballo, her goddaughter Jamie (Michael) Bowe, her nephew Matthew (Sarah) Eldred, her niece Alex Lefeber and the many friends that have touched her life throughout the years.

Our family is very fortunate and grateful to have known her.  She taught us how to love freely, fight for what we believe in and never to give up.  We are heartbroken without her smiling face beside us but know that she is in a better place and pain free.  We love you mom – always.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home KAUKAUNA LOCATION, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Donna’s name. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.