Donna L Downing

Donna Lee Downing, 71, of Sparta, passed away Friday, June 2, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse. She was the first born daughter to Adolph and Esther (Thonesen) Vlasak May 31, 1946 in Hillsboro, WI.

Donna attended Warner School and graduated from Royal High School in Elroy. She married Richard Downing, June 25, 1966. Richard preceded her in death on July 13, 1973. Donna worked at Ft. McCoy as a payroll clerk for 21 years and worked at Walmart for 8 years.  Donna also volunteered at the Mayo Clinic in Sparta. She loved to play bingo, listen to karaoke, visit with neighbors, and watch Packers football and Brewers baseball on TV.

Donna is survived by her two daughters, Wendy (Paul) Ahles; and Brenda (Roger) Matson; four grandchildren, Kristine Ahles, Joseph Ahles, Connor Matson, and Jordan Matson; her mother, Esther Vlasak; and special friend, Cliff Heimke. She is further survived by her two brothers, Roger (Cheryl) Vlasek; and Steven (friend Laura) Vlasak; her three sisters, Barbara (Edward) Tomlinson; Rebecca (William) Sheridan; and Shelly (friend Nick) Edwards; brothers-in-law, Gaylord (Irene) Downing and Nolen (Janice) Downing; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Harper; Barb Downing; Linda Downing; and Lucy Downing; five nieces; 6 nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her faithful husband, Richard Downing; beloved dad, Adolph Vlasak; three infant sisters; sisters-in-law, Sherry Vlasak and Sharon Burmaster; brothers-in-law, Ernest (Roberta) Downing, David Downing, Ronald Downing, Roger Downing, and Gene Downing; and niece, Erin Tomlinson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 12, at the United Methodist Church, Sparta, with Rev. Rey Diaz officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Tabor Cemetery, Hillsboro, WI.

Family and friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and at the church on Monday, from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be offered to the Downing family at www.schanhoferfh.com.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Service Information