Obituary for Donna Mae Lanz

She was born March 31, 1935, in La Crosse, to Gilman and Dorothy (Jones) Bolstad. Donna is a graduate of West Salem High School. She then attended and graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse. While living in the twin cities, she was employed as a Registered Nurse for two area hospitals. On May 14, 1960, she married Robert Lanz and together they had four children. They later divorced. Donna moved back to the West Salem area and worked at Bethany-Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse.

Donna enjoyed cooking, canning, knitting and needlework, and doing other crafts such as stained glass. She also liked playing cards, especially with her aunt, Caroline.

Donna was a very spiritual woman who enjoyed going to church.

In 2002, Donna’s failing health caused her to move to Hillview Health Care Center where she has lived since. Donna enjoyed being involved with various activities such as playing Bingo. Donna was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was the ultimate caregiver always concerned for everyone else’s welfare.

Donna was loved by all who knew her and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include three children, Steven Lanz of La Crosse, Karen Merritt of La Crosse, and Robb Lanz of Onalaska; one daughter-in-law, Chris Lanz of Holmen; one granddaughter, Steph (Andrew) Pagano of Holmen; one great-granddaughter, Zola Pagano of Holmen; one brother, Gilman Bolstad, Jr., of West Salem; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Brian Lanz; one sister-in-law, Alice Bolstad; and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem. Rev. Martin Yeager will officiate. Burial will follow at Neshonoc Cemetery. A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends and family may offer expressions of sympathy at condolences on this website.