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BORN
1944
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Donna Catlin Obituary
SHERMAN, IL - Donna Gail Catlin, 72, of Sherman, died Saturday the Aug. 27, 2016 on a family vacation in Utah.
Donna was the daughter of Barbara and Donald Arnold and was married to Carl Catlin for 55 years. In 1961 she and her husband made the first of what would become several moves and travel adventures across the nation and around the world as a wife of a career Naval & Commercial Pilot. Throughout those years Sherman and its history stayed close to her heart. When she returned 25+ years ago she plunged into researching the area's history. Today she is the Village of Sherman's official historian. A skilled and award-winning photographer, her work often appears in the State Journal Register and on the pages of Historico. Donna is active in many community organizations such as North County Teen Court and the Sangamon County Historical Society.
Donna is survived by her husband Carl, 3 children Lisa Catlin-Stone, Colleen Degenaar, Craig Catlin, son-in-law's Larry Stone & Chuck Degenaar, daughter-in-law Sonja Catlin, brother Vance Arnold, sister-in-law's Charlotte Arnold, Joyce Cooper & Janet Catlin, brother-in-law's Don Catlin, Bob Catlin & Roger Cooper, 4 grandchildren, Nicole & Michael Degenaar, Tannyr & Cashlyn Catlin, 1st cousin's Rebecca Finley & Ted Walschleger, considered to be a beloved brother and sister by Donna, 5 nieces, 4 nephews and numerous cousins.
She touched so many lives young & old, she was one of a kind, weaving herself into the fabric of our lives; she was friend, mentor, counselor and role model. The world definitely is a little dimmer without her.
Visitation will be held at Williamsville United Methodist Church, 128 East Jones St., Williamsville, Illinois, on Monday, September 5, 2016, from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will also be held at the church on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
The Rev. Dick Piscatelli will be officiating.
Memorials can be made to Ronald McDonald House, 610 N. 7th Street, Springfield, Ill. 62702, or Sangamon County Historical Society P.O. Box 9744, Springfield, Ill. 62791.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the Catlin family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Catlin
Sponsored by Mott & Henning Funeral Home.
Betty Baker
August 27, 2024
Loved her..she always knew where everyone lived & how they were doing..
betty baker
September 7, 2021
Really miss sweet Donna. We had such a good time being Navy wives and our conversations after the Navy were always so welcome.Such a caring person!! Loved her!!
Betty Baker
August 27, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Karen Pattarozzi
August 27, 2019
Always remembered as a BFF to so many! She loved people and was always there for us . Donna was one in a million and she left a big void in many of our lives.
September 13, 2016
To Carl and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have such great memories from Coronado days and from the VS35 reunions.
Jim and Pam Shepard, Denver
Karen Pattarozzi
September 12, 2016
To all the Catlin's. I will always hold my memories of Donna and all of you close to my heart. She was my soul sister, best friend and the world has lost one of the God's best gifts. Donna was one of a kind. Fun, loving and generous to a fault! She loved you all so much and would always keep us updated on all her family and their lives. I feel your loss and want you to know she will never be forgotten. Carl, remember the happiness and stability she brought into your life and your Navy family is always available to share stories! She was loved!!1 Karen
September 7, 2016
Carl,Lisa,Colleen,& Craig,
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Donna.
She was "always available" to help others and we could always count on her to know where people were living and what was going on in their lives.She was truly an amazing lady with a special talent. We will miss her so much.
May God comfort all of you during this difficult time and help you understand this loss. We love all of you!! John T & Betty Baker
Samuel Wheeler
September 6, 2016
My condolences to Donna's family and friends. Within 24 hours of meeting her, Donna figured out how we were related through one of my father's cousins. Donna always made me smile! Her energy, enthusiasm, and kind heart are an inspiration.
Shelley Jacobs (Meglen)
September 5, 2016
Carl, Lisa, Colleen & Craig. I am so saddened for the loss of your amazing Wife & Mom. She was a great second mom to me in all those years in SD. I will cherish past memories that make me smile about Donna. Thoughts & prayers are with all of you and your extended family during this difficult time of loss, her legacy lives on in all of you. Love you -
Lisa Beam
September 5, 2016
I was so saddened to hear of Donna's passing and send my love and deepest sympathy to her entire family. She was always so proud of all of you.
Donna was such a wonderful and giving person, and a friend to so many. I really appreciated her reaching out to me after my mother passed on, and thoroughly enjoyed our conversations. We often reminisced about our parents who had had a lifelong friendship, and I always hung up the phone feeling cared about, and often having learned more about local or my own family history. Donna was fun and interesting to know, and she will be greatly missed by all.
Robin Tisdale
September 5, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Have many great memories of Donna Gail. She will be greatly missed. Love Robin Tisdale
Manny & Sharon Rossell
September 4, 2016
Colleen, Nicole and Michael,
Manny and are so very sorry over the loss of your beautiful mom. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Much love,
Bob Bryant
September 4, 2016
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Donna. She will be greatly missed, not only as a person, but as a friend. She will be missed for all the work she has done to preserve the memories and the history of the community and especially "old Sherman". When she found out I could not come back to attend the Bicentennial celebration, she sent me numerous pictures. That's just the way Donna was. She will be greatly missed.
Lisa Tomaino
September 4, 2016
So saddened to hear the passing of such a beautiful soul. I pray that God heals the broken hearts of those left behind and that they find comfort in knowing Heaven has a new angel. Blessings to you all.
Bob, Barb and the little Tornado (Jake)
Bob and Barbara Daffara
September 4, 2016
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are at hearing of Donna's passing. She was an incredible wife, mother and friend who was loved by so many and will never be forgotten.
Jeff Mitchell
September 4, 2016
To the Catlin Family I offer my most humble and gracious sympathies at this time of Donna's passing.
When I met Donna she had an immediate effect on me through her honesty and her respect for life, family, love of history and championing issues and her drive to bring these characteristics to others. She never left me in doubt of her thoughts on issues she shared with me. Her belief in Community Advocacy was second to no one.
Donna, I will you miss you and our times of conversation especially on issues of what good government should be. Thank you for fighting the good fights.
With God's blessings, your spirit and friendship will forever be in my thoughts and my live.
September 3, 2016
Donna, you will be so missed by so many. I was just going through pictures when we met the USS Hornet in Sasebo in 1968 when I got the news. We were so young! You have always stayed that way. You are such a kind friend and so much fun.
I am glad you and Carl had so many years together. And so glad that our pathways crossed. You have enriched so many lives.
Hugs and love to you and your family.
Jeannine Hickman
forever friends
Judy Kenan
September 3, 2016
Dearest friend will not be forgotten. Always in our hearts. Will miss our talks way into the morning hours. The laughter about our trips and the paths you took me down. God has you now and that will fill me with comfort. The tears are for myself for not having you here. we all have you forever in our hearts. Sorrow for your family. Love you.
judy Keenan
September 3, 2016
Will never be able to except that she is not going to be at the other end of the telephone for our long night talks. We will all have her in our hearts! She always could bring our spirits up and give us things to look forward to. I will miss our travels and laughter they brought. She was a great friend. I will always be there if you need anything.
judy Keenan
September 3, 2016
Will never be able to except that she is not going to be at the other end of the telephone for our long night talks. We will all have her in our hearts! She always could bring our spirits up and give us things to look forward to. I will miss our travels and laughter they brought. She was a great friend. I will always be there if you need anything.
DONALD SCHAHL
September 3, 2016
To the Catlin family you have my deepest sympathy.AND PLEASE HAVE CARL CALL ME.
Barry Tobias
September 3, 2016
Our deepest thoughts and sympathy goes out to your family during this time.
Barry and Shaun Tobias
Mari Camille
September 2, 2016
Dear Catlin Family
I am so very sorry for the loss of such a dear and sweet soul. My heart goes out to all of you. She will certainly be missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
Mari Camille
Karen Hoffek
September 2, 2016
My deepest sympathy to all of Donna's family. I loved talking to Donna. Her history knowledge was amazing. She had a heart of gold and gave so much of herself. You will be missed, Donna.
Sam Winters
September 2, 2016
Though I only knew the Catlins for such a short time, I will always cherish our southern California memories.
Frauna & Erv Hoglund
September 2, 2016
A true friend that always made one feel welcomed. During 2 to 3 hour conversations with her we knew all about Sherman and those she loved. Those conversations will be missed. Our condolences to Carl, Lisa, Colleen and Craig. We won't be at her funeral physically but will be there spiritually.
Tracey (Hubbs) Hardin
September 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I must say Donna had a huge impact on many people. So thankful for all of the family genealogy that she has done. I will miss running into her and having little chats at the Sherman grocery store as well.
You will be missed Donna Gail!!! RIP and fly high on angels wings my sweet cousin!!
Francie Staggs
September 2, 2016
I was saddened to read about the death of Donna Gail Catlin. I met Donna as a board member of the Sangamon County Historical Society about four or five years ago. I admire her photographs. I do have her Union Pacific train photo hanging on the wall in my home. When I look at the photo, I will remember Donna Catlin. I extend my thoughts and prayers to Donna's family at this time.
Jean Broaddus(Gomora)
September 2, 2016
So very sad to hear of Donna's passing. God bless you all
Earlene Shaw
September 2, 2016
So sorry to learn of Donna`s sudden passing. What a wonderful legacy she left for her family and many friends.
Earlene Shaw, ENUMCLAW, Wa.
September 2, 2016
Extending sympathy to your and your family for your loss.
Deanna Toncray
Dot Foods
September 2, 2016
Condolences to Donna's family. She touched so many lives with her photographs and her spirit. Ann and Dick Hart
September 2, 2016
Our trips will be held in our memories and in the wonderful photos taken by our beloved Donna. Our heartfelt sorrow and prayers go to the wonderful family Donna made.
Ted and Charlotte Walschleger
Terry Arnold
September 2, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. I heard of your loss from Charles David Arnold in Rockford my 1/2 brother. I am the son of Charles Arnold and Anita Campbell Arnold. With love and prayers Terry and Sharon Arnold New Berlin,Wi.
September 2, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I heard about it from my 1/2 brother Charles David Arnold in Rockford. I am the son Of Charles Arnold and Anita Campbell Arnold. Sincerely Terry and Sharon Arnold
Renee Angelo. ( Johnson )
September 1, 2016
So sorry for your loss!❤
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