Donna J. Metcalf

PORTAGE – Donna J. Metcalf, Portage

It is with great sadness that the family of Donna Metcalf announces her passing on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the age of 82 with her family by her side.

Donna Jean Crawford was born October 16, 1929 in Portage to Delbert and Bonnie (Jones) Crawford.  She attended and graduated from Portage High School in 1947.  Donna was united in marriage to Edward Dushek on May 21, 1949 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Portage.  Together they owned Dushek's Tavern where they served their famous Friday night fish fry.  Ed preceded her in death on April 24, l978.

Donna married Charles Metcalf at St. Mary Church April 14, 1988 and they had almost 10 years together when Chuck passed away on October 6, 1997.

Donna was employed as a school crossing guard for many years and later at GTE and then Penda Corp.  Her last place of employment was in the school lunch program at Portage High School.

Donna enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards, listening to music and spending time with her family.  She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portage where she served on the funeral dinner committee for many years.  Donna touched the lives of many people with her smile and generous nature.

Donna will always be remembered by her devoted daughters, Bonnie (Dave Dell) Harmon, Portage, Judy (Jim) Ramsay, Portage, Linda (Terry) Tessman, Montello and Mary (Reed) VanNess, Sheboygan, her treasured grandchildren, Chris Harmon, Colorado, Matthew (Victoria) Harmon, Harmony Grove, Jenny (Tom) Dickman, Menomonie, Jeff Ramsay, Portage, Karri (Derrick) Olson, Mauston, Justin (Drea) Tessman, Baraboo, Heather (Dave) Damkot, Sheboygan, Jessica (Jeff) Mentink, Sheboygan and Melissa (Chad) Mentink, Sheboygan, 14 loving great grandchildren and 2 on the way, 2  brothers, Larry (Cheryl) Crawford, Watertown, James (Kathryn) Crawford, Portage, a  sister, Debra (Don) Lee, Madison, 2 brothers-in-law, Donald Dushek, Madison, and Richard (Phyllis) Dushek, Las Vegas, along with countless friends and family who are blessed to have known her.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, 2 brothers, Herbert and Daniel Crawford, and a very special aunt, Pearl Crawford.

A special thanks to Dr. Strabel, the staff of Divine Savior Hospital and the caregivers and residents
of Northview Gardens, who touched Donna's life as much as she touched theirs.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in memory of Donna at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to The Alzheimer's Association or St Mary's Catholic Church.

A Mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory.