Obituary
Donna Marie Johnson (Swartz)
Donna Marie Johnson (Swartz), age 86 of Holmen passed away on April 28th at Eaglecrest North after a long journey with Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease.
Donna was born on February 5th, 1939 in La Crosse, WI to Leslie and Vernice Swartz. She graduated from Mindoro High School in 1956. She married Roger (Butch) Johnson on July 19th, 1958 and they were married for 39 years until Butch passed away from cancer in 1997.
Donna is survived by her five children. Robin Johnson (Connie Swensen-Peterson) Marla Nesseth (Kevin) Pamela Johnson (Karen Eckert) Rhonda Britton (Greg) and Randy Johnson(Debbie). Seven Grandchildren and four great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna K. Swartz and her three sons.
In addition to her parents Leslie and Vernice Swartz, she was preceded in death by her husband Roger (Butch) Johnson, brother Leslie (Junior) Swartz, sister Marilyn Lousie Swartz, daughter in law Carrie Johnson, grandson Bob Johnson, partner Harry Bourdo and her beloved dog Meka.
After being a stay home mom to her five children, Donna found her calling in 1980 as the site manager of the Holmen Nutrition Center at the Village of Holmen for 37 years. She loved helping others and always felt rewarded when people gathered daily for meals, good conversation and entertainment. Donna loved the outdoors and working in her yard and gardens. She loved boating and cherished the days spent with her family and friends on the sandbars of the Mississippi River. Donna also enjoyed going up north to the cabin on the Chippewa Flowage for family vacations. She had the opportunity to travel to a lot of places and always said she lived a good life. Donna enjoyed sharing a Coors Light with family and friends at Red Pines or Coulee Golf Bowl.
In keeping with Donna’s wishes her body will be cremated with a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Arbor Day foundation to plant a memorial tree in Donna Marie Johnson’s memory or donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A special thank you to the staff at Eagle Crest North for the loving and compassionate care they provided for Donna and Family. Also, a special thank you to the St. Croix Hospice team for all their support and additional care.
On behalf of the Village of Holmen staff and our residents, I offer our sympathy to Donna’s family and friends and wish to recognize her many years of service to the community. Let us take heart in the kindness she offered to those who came to get a meal but also support and chance to talk with someone. May the good memories of her lift up all who are feeling her loss in these days.
Patrick Barlow, Village President, Village of Holmen