Beverly A. Donahue

Beverly A. Donahue, 82, of Sparta passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Gundersen by Emplify, in La Crosse. She was born on October 14, 1943 to Walter and Lola (Blaser) Hoyer in Marysville, Kansas. She grew up in rural Cummings, Kansas and graduated from Atchison County Community High School in Effingham, Kansas. 

Beverly attended Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa and began her teaching career in Iowa. It was there she met Michael Donahue. They were married on June 17, 1972. They moved to Sparta and had 3 children; Marc, Sean and Casey.

Beverly was a teacher in the Sparta school district for many years; at both the Junior and High Schools. She was an active member of a Bridge Club. She enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, and attending her children and grandkids’ sporting events. She also played piano at Sparta United Methodist Church. 

Beverly is survived by her husband, Michael Donahue; children, Marc (Ann), Sean (Chenin), and Casey (Heather); grandchildren, Aidan, Alena, Cade, Braden, Jayce, and Ronan; sisters, Janys Schroeder, Peggy Baze, and Connie Kelly; and many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lola.

A Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.

A Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at  www.schanhoferfh.com.

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

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