Donna G. Gurholt

1944 - 2024

Beloit, WI - Donna Gwen (Drake) Gurholt of Beloit, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded by her family on November 30, 2024, at the age of 80 years young.

Donna was born in Chicago, IL, on March 18, 1944, the second child of Bradford and Edna Drake. She graduated from Taft High School, Chicago, IL, in 1962, and 2 years later received her Associates Degree from Luther College, Decorah, IA. There, she met her future husband, Donald Gurholt. They were married that summer on August 22, 1964, in Chicago, and moved to Beloit where Don accepted a position teaching Mathematics for the School District of Beloit. After having their family, Donna worked for a number of years as an assistant at Waterman Elementary and substituted throughout the district. Upon Don's death, she worked full-time for the Beloit Clinic as a receptionist supervisor, and at the same time put herself through school to achieve her original goal of becoming a teacher. In May 1991, Donna graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and was immediately hired by the Clinton School District where she proudly taught 4th grade for 15 years. She loved teaching Wisconsin history to her students and grandchildren. Upon retirement, Donna continued to tutor students in her home.

Donna was laid to rest at Eastlawn Cemetery in Beloit on December 3, 2024, with immediate family in attendance. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Gurholt, and only brother, Merton Drake (Carol) of Evanston, IL.

Surviving Donna are her two children: Arthur Gurholt (Jamie) of Beloit, WI, and Gwen (Gurholt) Ward of Phoenix, AZ, and four grandchildren: Lauren Gurholt and fiancé, Tyler Caple, of Beloit; Hannah Gurholt of Ithaca, NY; Jacob Ward and Natalee Ward, both of Phoenix, AZ.

Donna traveled extensively with her family within the United States, and later enjoyed many cruises worldwide with friends, taking pictures wherever her final destination. She loved watching classic films, Hallmark movies, and organized many theatre trips to the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson. Donna also enjoyed routing for her Wisconsin and Chicago sports teams, and was a fierce cribbage player!

A faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church since moving to Beloit in 1964, Donna volunteered over many years in the choir, Sunday School, Confirmation, and O.W.L.S.

A devoted dog owner for years, particularly her pure-bred Golden Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes, she always donated regularly to the Humane Society.

Without a doubt, Donna's greatest accomplishment, pride, and joy were her four beautiful grandchildren. She was so proud of all of their successes in academic, sports, and the Arts. She traveled often to see their various activities and achievements. All four have graduated from college with high honors, and are currently pursuing their academic careers or graduate degrees.

A valued member of BAREA - Beloit Area Retired Educators Association, Donna served as the Treasurer for 15 years. Her most important role was being part of the annual scholarship committee for future educators. As such, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in her name to:

BAREA Scholarship Fund

1239 Evergreen St.

Beloit, WI 53511

Together, Donna's family would like to thank local friends for their kindness and support over the years. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com