Obituary for Eloda May Donley

She was born on December 31, 1924, in La Crosse to Harry Sr., and Julia (Johnson) Viner. Eloda was baptized at English Lutheran Church. She grew up with six brothers. Eloda graduated from Central High School and worked at Auto Light.

She married Cecil Donley on November 12, 1946, and together they raised eight children. They were married for 68 years. Eloda was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. As an excellent cook and baker; no one ever went hungry. She whipped up a meal like magic. Besides enjoying her family, she loved fishing, bingo, and the casino. Eloda and Cecil took vacations to Las Vegas several times and always took family trips up North to cabins. She was always busy in her yard and was still raking her leaves at 100.

Eloda is survived by her children, Wayne (Jean) Donley, Pat (Jerome) Arenz, Sue Konter, Linda (Steve) Roberts, Dean (Glenda) Donley, Jeff (Joan) Donley, and Evonne McCabe; 12 grandchildren, Greg and Todd Donley, Scott and Troy Arenz, Jodi Foster, Marcel Konter, Sheila Arlt, Adam and Jake Donley, Jordan and Leah Donley, and Melissa Devine; 22 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren, with twins on the way in June.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cecil; son, Curt Donley; sons-in-law, Steve McCabe and Tim Konter; grandson, Ryan Roberts; and granddaughter, Rachel McCabe.

A century of life, a lifetime of love. She spent 101 years making the world a better place.

We all love you!

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered to Eloda’s family at this site.