Donna Liston

Donna Liston, age 84, passed away on Friday March 20, 2026, surrounded by loved ones in Janesville WI. Donna was born July 31, 1941, in Winona, MN to her parents, Dr. Donald T. Burt and Genevieve (Stenehjem) Burt. Donna spent her youth on the Mississippi river cruising, camping and socializing with other boaters and playing flute in the high school band.

While attending Luther College in IA she met Frank Liston who would become her husband after graduation. Donna transferred to the University of Minnesota to complete her degree in Physical Education in December of 1963. She began teaching Physical Education at Eisenhower H.S. in Blue Island, Illinois. Marrying in mid-January it was decided to take the honeymoon in June after school was out for the summer. Frank somehow encouraged her to do this in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota and Canada. Ensuing vacations took them all over the U.S., camping most of the way. Donna retired after serving as a Director of an Alternative high school in Dundee, Illinois.

Donna and Frank had numerous moves as jobs changed. Blue Island to Palos Heights, IL to Pewaukee, WI to Melbourne, Australia to Algonquin, IL to Atlanta GA and finally in Janesville, WI. Her adult life was rich with boating, skiing, racquetball, church activities friendships, music and spending time with her grandchildren. Donna was a very social individual and never could pass up a good party. Her later years slowed her down only slightly. She continued her quilting and book clubs, but was still ready for a good party. Her constants remained family, friends, and faith to the end.

Donna is survived by her husband Frank Liston; son Brian Liston and his children: River and Skye; daughter Terri (Dan) Vander Jeugdt and their children: Taylor, Blake and Madison; and sister, Sandra (Tom) Hall; and their children: nieces Stacy (Michael) Smith, and Alison (Ty) Trainor

Memorial Service will be Noon on Saturday April 11, 2026, at the ROCK PRAIRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 8605 E. Cty. Rd A, Janesville, WI. Gathering time will be from 11:00 A.M. to Noon. Memorials in Donna's name are appreciated to The Ronald McDonald House. The APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.apfewolfe.com