Donna Mae Meggers-Gagner, age 91, of Rice Lake, WI, died Friday, January 10, 2025 in Rice Lake.

Donna was born August 29, 1933 to Clarence and Louise Wattawa of Reedsville, Wisconsin. She grew up in Reedsville and graduated from Reedsville High School in 1951. In 1952 she worked at the Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company and at the Manitowoc County Court House in the County Agents Office. She married John Meggers May 30, 1953 and she was employed as a bookkeeper at Wisconsin Oil Refinery in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They moved to Oshkosh, WI in 1955 where John worked as an elementary school principal. Daughters Roxanne, 1956 and Jill 1959, were born there. In 1961 they moved to West Salem, Wisconsin where John was Superintendent of Schools. In 1963, they lived in Madison Wisconsin where John completed his PhD. In 1965 they moved to Rice Lake, Wisconsin where John opened and was Dean of the Barron County Campus - Stout State University Branch Campus.

Donna was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a highly visible partner with John as an advocate and supporter of the Barron County Campus. She was cherished and respected by all who knew her. She had a sparkle, quick wit with a passion for living/sharing and with an energy for loving and nourishing her church, family and friends. Donna’s hobbies included her stitchery, card and board games, golf, gardening, following her daughters’ music and drama endeavors and extensive volunteer work at Bethany Lutheran Church, Lakeview Medical Center, the food pantry, Meals on Wheels and other community organizations.

Donna loved to entertain and was an excellent cook. She also loved to travel and was especially fond of her several trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Donna was preceded in death by John August 26, 1991. She married longtime Rice Lake resident Jerry Gagner May 25, 1997. They lived at Camp Phillips, where he was the Scout Master until they built a house together in Rice Lake. She and Jerry merged their respective families. They also extended community involvement through volunteering at Bethany and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and The Golden K. Jerry passed away July 17, 2008. In 2009 Donna moved to a smaller home where she lived until 2020. There she continued to pursue her hobbies and enjoyed spending time with her friend and special companion, John Mongerson. John passed away on December 24, 2023.

In 2020 Donna suffered a stroke and moved to Brentwood Assisted Living. She enjoyed living there and appreciated all the care and companionship of the staff and residents at Brentwood. Donna is survived by daughters Roxy (Joe) Diederich, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Jill (Harlan) Anderson, Walker, Minnesota; Granddaughter McKenna (Evan) Andrews, Columbus, Ohio; Bonus-Grandsons, Simon and Erik Anderson and Sister Mary Clement, Ripon, Wisconsin.

The family is grateful to Rita Gronski, Carlie and the Brentwood staff, especially the personal care assistants and Troy and the St. Croix Hospice Staff. The family suggests memorials to Bethany Lutheran Church, St. Croix Hospice, We Share Food Pantry or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Friday, January 17, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, with Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Jan 13, 2025 1:34 pm CST