Donna Steffes

Donna Mae Steffes, age 82, passed away peacefully at St. Francis – Serenity Circle on Monday, January 18, 2021 of Alzheimer’s.

She was born on April 1, 1938 in St. Joe, WI, the daughter of the late George and Anna Wehner Berenz.  Donna graduated from New Holstein High School in 1956.  She married her first love, Eugene Steffes, on September 29, 1956.

They were married 29 years and raised their five children in a home that they built in St. Peter.  Eugene passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 1985.  Several years later she met her second love, Bill Binsfeld, who passed away on December 13, 2020.

Donna worked several jobs cleaning homes, but her greatest joy was ironing for several clients.  She worked at Agnesian for 20 years and is grateful for the friends she made, especially in the Eye Department, before retiring.  She loved her time spent helping out at Anna Rose Riederer School of Dance for many years.

Donna was a member of Holy Family Catholic Parish.  She was also a member of the Catholic Knights and was proud of her 75-year membership.

She is survived by her five children:  Daughter Karen (Wayne) Kaufman, their children Nicole (Paul) Benish, Eric (Christie) Kaufman, Timothy (Laura) Kaufman; Daughter Sandi (Ken) Stenz, their children Jason (Georgia) Stenz, Justin (Maddie) Stenz; Son Ken (Karen) Steffes, their daughter Karissa (Luke) Schneider; Daughter Sue Huhndorf, her children Alyssa (Andy) Schwabe, Will (Abby) Huhndorf; Son Kevin (Jodi) Steffes and their children Mason Steffes and Jada Steffes.

She is further survived by 20 Great-Grandchildren:  Tyler, Courtney, Kayle, Austin, Trae, Brittany, Casey, Trevor, Owen, Colton, Hazel, Grace, Graham, Reid, Nolan, Everly, Eli, Ellie, Henry and Genevieve; Sisters-in-Law and Brothers-in-Law: Agnes Berenz, Dolores Petrie, Pat Birschbach, Judy Zingsheim, Don and Joanie Steffes, Joe and Raye Marie Steffes, Vern and Gail Steffes, Eugene Birschbach and family friend Eugene Burg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Eugene, his Parents Leo and Katherine Steffes, Special Friend Bill, her Sisters Lucille Bonlander and Esther Nickel, her Brother Marvin Berenz, Her Sister-in-Laws and Brother-in-Laws, John Bonlander, Sally Bonlander, Clem Nickel, Elmer Petrie, Henry Birschbach, Sylvin Steffes, Ed Zingsheim, Mary Ann Birschbach and other nieces and nephews.

A private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church, Fond du Lac on Saturday, January 23, 2021.  The Mass will be livestreamed on Holy Family Catholic Community’s Facebook page for those wishing to participate remotely. Donna will be laid to rest at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Fond du Lac.

In lieu of flowers, the Family would appreciate donations in Donna’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association which can be found on the web at act.alz.org; The Boys and Girls Club, 76 W. 2nd Street, Fond du Lac or Agnesian Hospice Hope.

Donna’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the Staff, Nurses, CNA’s, Father Adrian and Chaplain Paul at St. Francis Home and Hospice Care, especially Emily, Shauni and Chaplain Tim for their love, compassion and prayers given to our Mom.

Mom’s favorite saying was “We have to laugh,” so remember and cherish all those laughs you had with her.

Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.