Donna M. Krebsbach

     Donna M. Krebsbach, 82, of Sparta, died Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI. She was born on September 10, 1934 in High Forest Township, Olmsted County, MN. She grew up on the family farm. After she finished high school, Donna worked in the Twin Cities.

     Donna married Roger Krebsbach on January 16, 1954 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin, MN. Together, they raised 5 children. Donna was instrumental in starting the Parenting Resource Center in Austin. After Roger retired from Hormel, they purchased the Hillcrest Motel in Alma along the Mississippi River. They owned and operated the motel for over 20 years. Donna was also a very active supporter of the Alma community including the bald eagle center, Wings Over Alma. Her husband Roger passed away January 16, 2008, on their 52nd wedding anniversary. Donna moved to Sparta shortly after.

     Donna, always very active in her community, found ways to support the Sparta community with her dearest friend, Vern Kerling. Together they worked with various Sparta organizations including the Food Pantry, Americal Legion Post 100 and the Space Museum. Donna continued to be an energetic promoter of Wisconsin Tourism and Wisconsin’s Great River Road.

     Donna is survived by her children, Michael Krebsbach of Eau Claire, WI, Mark (Sharon) Krebsbach of St. Joseph, MN, Susan (Philip) Sanvick of Prescott, WI, Timothy Krebsbach of Mankato, MN, and Elizabeth (Joe) Neville of Janesville, WI; her grandchildren, Eric and Ryan Krebsbach, Travis and Vanessa (Krebsbach) Schultz, Cody and Katie Sanvick, and Ariel Fisher; along with 10 great grandchildren. Donna is also survived by her significant other, Vern Kerling of Sparta, WI; and his 5 children; Diana (Dave) Prendergast, Deb Larvick, Tom (Sue) Kerling, Ellen Kerling, Anne Kerling; along with 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; and her brothers, Roger and Doug; and son Michael’s wife, Mary Beth (Quinn).

     A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Keith Kitzhaber officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and from 11 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church. 

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

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