Donna Mae (Ewert) Blankschien

Donna M. Blankschien, age 85 of Clintonville passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Greentree Health & Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville after a brief stay.

Donna was born September 25, 1936 to Emil and Viola (Westphal) Ewert. She learned her strong work ethic by helping on the family farm growing up, as well as the value of compassion by helping care for her mother and then her grandmother, at home during their final illnesses. She was a graduate of Marion High School with the class of 1954. Donna married Vilas A. Blankschien on May 6, 1956 and their union was blessed with two sons, Terry and Randall. Early in their marriage, Vilas and Donna purchased 40 acres of woods in the Pella area. It was a source of happiness and relaxation for their family’s entire life. Along with being a wife and homemaker, Donna worked for many years at the Caroline Ballroom cooking and waiting tables for countless weddings. She enjoyed reading several local newspapers, gardening, and watching her beloved Green Bay Packers – especially Aaron Rodgers. She was a faithful and active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Caroline, until illness left her homebound. She treasured her ongoing visits with Pastor Craig Nehring. Donna was the last living member of her core family. She has at last been reunited in heaven with her husband Vilas, sons Randy and Terry, daughter-in-law Pam (Olson), her parents, grandparents, older sister Laverne, (who she is meeting for the first time), and brother, Marvin. Also, her father-in-law Louis, mother-in-law Adela (who passed away when Vilas was young) and Vilas’ brothers Willard and Marlyn. 

Mourning her loss are sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Gladys Blankschien, nieces and nephews, dear friends Mike and Diane Pelky, as well as many other friends and caring neighbors.

A committal service for Donna will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline, with the Rev. Craig Nehring officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, also in Caroline.

Many thanks to ThedaCare Hospice, especially nurse Janelle, social worker, Molly, and pastor Craig; who all went above and beyond the call of duty.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting with the arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.