Donna M.

(Schimelpfenig) Tarnutzer

Donna Mary Tarnutzer entered eternal life on Monday, January 8, 2024.

She was born on February 15, 1935, to Fred and Clara (Michaelis) Schimelpfenig in Watertown, WI.  She was the youngest of four farmer's daughters.

On October 30, 1955, she married Richard Tarnutzer at the Lake Mills Moravian Church.  They were blessed with two children.

Donna worked at the family business, Lake Mills Cleaners until her retirement in 1998.

Donna was involved in many activities and organizations in and around Lake Mills.  She was a member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church, along with serving on the boards, women's fellowship, diener, and the wedding coordinator for many years.  She was also active in the Flat Trax Snowmobile Club and many car organizations.  She actively hosted many dinners at her home for all of these organizations and hosted many fundraisers at her home like the Ice Cream Social for the Fargo Library.  For 20 plus years, she hosted the Lake Mills Cleaners Christmas Party which not only included their employees, but business associates and friends.  Donna had an open-door policy and had many of her children's friends there for parties and dinner.  She loved her home on the lake and shared her favorite activity, porch therapy, with many family members and friends.  Donna loved her Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers too.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She enjoyed spending time with them and taking them wherever they needed to go.  She instilled family traditions like Easter Egg Hunts, making birthdays special, and Christmas traditions with favorite family recipes.

Donna is survived by her children Traci (Norman) Magnussen; Lance (Ellie) Tarnutzer; Steve (Deborah) Brynd. Grandchildren Trevor Magnussen; Erin (Justin) Farrar; Tori (Tom) Bleecker; Molly (Joe) Hendricks; Kasey (Mike) Saltness; Lance JW Tarnutzer; and Amy Brynd. Great grandchildren Pierce Ramsey; Violet and Kinsley Farrar; Miles and Willow Bleecker.  She also survived by her sister JoAnn Shimon along with many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Barbara Severson and Audrey Sommers; and her faithful companion her beautiful collie, Stang.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Lake Mills Moravian Church.

Friends may call after 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the church until the time of services.

Burial will be in Rock Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, Humane Society of Jefferson County or the Lake Mills Moravian Church.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com