Donna Sims, age 80, peacefully passed away at home on January 20, 2026, with her devoted husband by her side. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Donna was born on September 25, 1945, in Galesville, Wisconsin, to Neil and Martha Lebakken. She attended Gale-Ettrick High School and graduated in 1963. She later continued her education at Western Wisconsin Technical College.

Donna met the love of her life, Larry Sims, while working as a carhop at a local root beer stand. That meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that grew into a 60-year marriage filled with devotion and partnership. Larry and Donna were married on October 30, 1965, in Frenchcreek, Wisconsin, where they began building a loving family. Together they raised four children: Leah (Eric) Olson, Troy (Barbara) Sims, David (Kimberly)
Sims, and Tracey Munden Sims. They were blessed with seven grandchildren: Emily (Jack) Hultstrand, Hannah Olson, Haley Sims, Molly (Cody) Allen, Lydia Sims, Casey Sims, and Greta Munden, as well as two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Cadence Allen.

Donna was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled. She worked for many years in the shipping department at Northern Engraving. Donna also took great pride in serving her community, including working at the local election polls for many years. She was deeply involved in her church, Zion Lutheran, where she volunteered in many
capacities over the years. Donna served as a Sunday School teacher, helped with church funerals, and faithfully wrote the church newsletter, The Tidings, keeping members informed and connected.

Donna found joy in tending to her flower gardens, traveling, Friday night fish fries, playing card games with her children, canning vegetables from the garden, picking blueberries and strawberries to make her delicious homemade jams, hosting family holiday gatherings, fishing, and spending time with her friends and large extended family. She especially cherished hosting sleepovers and creating memories with her grandchildren. All of these moments were shared side by side with Larry. They believed the key to a happy marriage was doing everything together—and they truly lived by that belief. It was rare to see one without the other.

Donna is survived by her husband, Larry; their four children and their spouses; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother, Vernal Lebakken; her sisters, Shirley Simonson, Kathy (Marty) Martland, Linda (Terry) Collins and her sister-in-law Bette Sims; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers-in-law Joe Simonson, Roland Byom, Donald Sawyer, Duane Stern, Jim Maalis, Mickey Pace, and Dale Sims; and her sisters-in-law Doris Byom, Joyce Sawyer, Nancy Stern, Cleo Maalis, and Jean Pace.

Following Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on January 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

The family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice for their compassionate and loving care, with special thanks to Mary, Miranda, and Haley for the exceptional care they provided. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to Dr. Paul Molling for his constant care and compassion shown to
both Donna and Larry.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be offered at couleecremation.com