Obituary of Donna M. Burgeson

Donna M. Burgeson, age 82, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Atrium Post Acute Care of Wisconsin Rapids, surrounded by her loving family.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Herman-Taylor Funeral in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Martin Baur will officiate. Entombment will take place at Forest Hill Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 16, 2017 and from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Donna was born May 10, 1935 to Leo and Viola (Lingford) Drollinger in Sherry, WI. She was confirmed in her faith on May 1, 1949 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Donna married the love of her life, Wilmer Burgeson on October 3, 1953 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. They were blessed with 58 years of marriage, until his passing on April 9, 2012.

She worked for Blue Line Cab company for 10 years. Donna also worked for Johnson Hill’s/Kline’s Department Store for 22 years. She was a member of Tops and Weight Watchers.  Donna volunteered at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church as a server at funeral luncheons and Willing Workers.

Donna cherished spending time with her family. She particularly enjoyed camping in the UP and at CERA Park. Donna was talented at cross-stitching and embroidering. She would create special gifts that she would give to her family and friends. Donna loved Christmas and would begin shopping well in advance to make sure she found the perfect presents for everyone. She loved to cook and was well known for her: sauerkraut and dumplings, chop suey, and hot dishes.  When you came to Donna’s house, you always had to have dessert. Donna was a fan of the Packers and Brewers. She was a selfless person who enjoyed doing things for others. Donna is loved and will be deeply missed.

Donna is survived by her children: Barry (Kelli) Burgeson, Daye Anne Shomberg, David (Mary) Burgeson, and Mark (Susan) Burgeson; grandchildren: Elisha (Dan) Kessler, Brittany Shomberg, Joseph Shomberg, Cody Burgeson, Molli Burgeson, Megan Burgeson, Shannon (Shawn) Schaetzka, and Shane Krieger; great-grandchildren: Breanna Kessler, Jordan Kessler, Brayden Kessler, Taylor Lewis, Mickole Schaetzka, Trenten Schaetzka, Presten Krieger, and Leiten Schaetzka; siblings: Francis (Carol) Drollinger, Carolyn Freund, and Joyce Lee; sisters-in-law: Beverly Burgeson and Margaret Drollinger; many nieces and nephews; and her great-grand dog, Shiloh.  She is preceded in death by her parents: Leo and Viola Drollinger; husband, Wilmer Burgeson; sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Robert Hanneman; brothers: Clifford Drollinger and Wesley Drollinger; brothers and sisters-in-law: David Freund, Peter Lawler, Donald Lee, Melvin (Phyllis) Burgeson, Clifford (Dorothy) Burgeson, and Wilton Burgeson; her parents-in-law, Algot and Alice Burgeson; and a niece, Susan Wolden.