Donna Jean Leege

Donna Jean Leege, age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 29 following a battle with dementia. Donna lived her life with dignity and grace. She was a kind, generous, and positive person. Donna was born on May 23, 1945 to John and Evelynn Hutchinson. She graduated from Portage High School in 1964. Following high school, she soon married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Orin Leege. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1965. Together they raised 3 children on their family farm. She was so proud of her children and their accomplishments. Donna loved country living, being outdoors, and going for walks through their woods. Donna loved gardening and had many flower gardens which she tended to with love. Donna worked many years at the local Wilz’s Pill and Frill. She was employed at Endeavor Elementary School as an aide for many years. She loved working with both the children and the teaching staff there. She and Orin proudly owned Leege Trucking Inc. for over 25 years where she single handedly took care of all the payroll and bookkeeping. Donna was so excited to become a grandma. She showered her grandchildren with both love and attention. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. She didn’t just watch them, but kept them happy and entertained. She was always open to play hide and seek, help build a snow fort, or play tag. She was up for it all. She was their biggest supporter, going to sporting events, concerts, or wherever she could go to celebrate their achievements. She was always ready to have fun with both family and friends. She was an amazing hostess and did this with ease and care. Some of her pastimes included snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, cook outs, campfires, camping, playing cards, and traveling. Some of her favorite years found her in Tomahawk at the cabin there. She was a proud member of the infamous, “Cabin Girls”. Donna is survived by her husband of 57 years, Orin. She is further survived by her three children: Barb Lily of Montello, Tim (Beth) Leege of Wisconsin Dells/Endeavor, Thomas (Cassaundra) Leege of Endeavor and six grandchildren: Trenten (Cara), Layne, Brynn, Bryce, Brayden, and Braxton and one great granddaughter: Quinn. Other survivors include her sister: Elaine (Dennis) Benson, Shari Chappell, Kay Dreyer, and Jackie Layke, one brother: Jim Hutchinson, sister-in-law: Marlene (Charles), and brother-in-law, Ollie (Kathy). Additionally, Donna leaves behind many other family members and caring, wonderful friends. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Dennis Hutchinson, Pat Loveland, and Joyce Cartwright. The family is having a Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Kratz Funeral Home in Portage (www.kratzfuneralhome.com). Rev Greg Hovland will be officiating. Public visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the service.

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