Donna Jean Harycki, 87, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully with her family beside her, on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewas Falls.

     Donna was born on September 18, 1936, in Cornell, WI, to Edward and Bonnie (Abbott) Fitzl and grew up in Stanley, WI.  She married Conrad Paul Harycki on August 18, 1953.  Donna was a godly woman who lived her faith moment by moment.  There was no mistaking her priorities: God, Conrad, family, and all others.  Of her many roles in life, her passion was caring for her family and providing a beautiful homelife for them.  We, and surely many others, will always remember the taste and aroma of her cinnamon and caramel rolls and endless pots of soup.

     At every opportunity Donna exercised her gift of hospitality and made everyone feel special and welcome.  Her time seemed to time stand still for people to share a story, a laugh, a burden, or a tear.  How she enjoyed camping with family and friends and her hobbies of crocheting exquisite vintage dolls, searching here and there for antique teacups, and reading.  But what could compare to an evening out dancing the polish hop with her husband Connie?

     In 1959, Donna and Connie moved from their home town to Green Bay and continued to raise their growing family.  Donna worked part-time as a waitress at the Stratosphere Supper Club, a famous hangout for many of the Green Bay Packers.  She had many football stories to share from their early championship years!!

     In 1970, the family relocated to West Bend and expanded to include welcoming new grandchildren, and making many new friends.  Donna became a certified nursing assistant at Cedar Lake Nursing home.  They traveled to many places during those years, Donna’s favorite trip was the Hawaiian Islands.

     In 1978, they settled at Otter Lake in Stanley.  Donna became an entrepreneur and opened “The Family Shoe Store” on Main Street in Stanley, and continued to serve her family and her community.

     1984 was a move to Austin, TX.  How she cherished those years spent with her children and grandchildren.  What a mentor and support she was to all of us.

     1990 began the retirement years in Chippewa Falls, once again to be near family.  Some of the things they enjoyed were gardening, canning, bird watching, and berry picking – the simple things in life.  After Conrad died, she received her precious little German Schnauzer, Jeena, who brought comfort and so much joy to her and others.

     Donna completed her journey on earth at the Wisconsin Veterans Home continuing to fulfill God’s purpose for her.  She brought great joy, wisdom, and humor by sharing her lifetime stories.  A heartfelt thank you to all the people at the Veterans home and Lily Hospice who compassionately cared for her until the Lord called her Home.  To God be the glory forever and ever.

     Donna is survived by her children:  Marilyn (Jerry) Jasper of Chippewas Falls, WI; Tom (Renee) Harycki of West Bend, WI; Ginger (Ron) Stone of Austin, TX; David (Susan) Harycki of Bayfield, WI; Steve (Veronica) Harycki of Burnet, TX; and daughter-in-law, Sandy (Gale) Tuggle of Pagosa Springs, CO; grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  Further survived by brothers-in-law: Vernon Harycki and Louis Chura, both of Thorp; and Martha Harycki of Milwaukee, WI.

     Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Conrad of 62 years; son, Michael Harycki; parents, Edward and Bonnie (Abbott) Fitzl, and her brother and sisters.  

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp.  Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony will officiate, and burial will take place in New St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.