Donna M. Brettingen

On January 19, 2024, Donna M. Brettingen of Antigo peacefully passed away at Aspirus Langlade Hospital.

Born on August 18, 1932, in Antigo to the late Floyd and Lillian (Duernberger) Schroeder, Donna embarked on a journey that encompassed love, family, and numerous cherished pursuits. In 1951, she married Palmer Brettingen, a union that lasted until his passing on June 21, 1982.

Donna graduated from Antigo High School in 1950 and pursued further education in nursing in Wausau. While her primary role was that of a devoted homemaker, she also left her mark as the long-time hostess of the Breakfast Club on WATK radio in Antigo.

Her vivacious spirit, fierce independence, quick wit, strong opinions, and enduring sense of humor were hallmarks of Donna's personality. You typically didn’t have to wonder what she was thinking. A skilled seamstress, knitter, and baker, Donna's talents extended into various creative pursuits. She cherished time at the lake and the more the merrier. She looked forward to outings with her “Cookie Girls” whose members were dear to her. She loved football and enjoyed watching the Antigo Red Robins, Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. Donna was a member of Faith United Church of Christ and served on the Antigo Music Association Board. Known for her social and fun-loving nature, she had a deep affection for dogs and horses, she was an avid reader, she loved summer, disliked winter and enjoyed time on her riding lawn mower taking great care of her yard and home. Spring days were often spent strolling through the greenhouse enjoying the warmth and many plant varieties. She loved tending to her flowers. Above all, her family held the utmost importance, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Donna is survived by her children Steven (Sue) Brettingen of Rhinelander, Mark (Jackie) Brettingen of Sarasota, FL, Don (Karen) Brettingen of Waconia, MN, and Betsy (Bruce) Kommers of Antigo. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Jason (Michele) Brettingen, Joshua Brettingen, Nick (Meaghan) Brettingen, Cassandra (Richard) Gretzinger, Ted (Stacey) Brettingen, Derek Weber, Ben (Sara) Brettingen, Pete (Melissa) Brettingen, Lauren (fiancé Cole Buttenhoff) Brettingen, Courtney (Mark) Burger, and Reidun (Ryan) Bures, and great grandchildren, Sam, Emily, Matthew, Louis, Will, Abe, Brooks, Jane, Bridget, Ila, Thomas, Marley, Wyatt, Walter, and a new baby boy arriving any day now. Donna loved kids and as her memory diminished, visits and pictures of the little ones brought her contentment and great joy.

Preceding her in death were her parents and husband, as well as sisters Audrey (Ray Ahlers), Elaine (David Simon), and Charlene Schlundt.

A memorial service in celebration of Donna's life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11 am at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, with Pastor Wes Jedras officiating. Prior to the service, visitation will take place at the funeral home from 9:30 am to 11 am. A private burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to a memorial established in Donna's honor in support of her favorite charities. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the compassionate staff at Rosalia Gardens for their loving care over the last four years and to the staff at Aspirus Langlade Hospital for their kindness during Donna's final days.