Donna J. Krausman

1934 - 2025

Deforest, WI - Donna J. Krausman died on October 7, 2025, with her husband, Ed, and daughters, Jeanine and Karen, at her side. She was born January 1, 1934, on the family farm in Richwood Township, Richland County, to Leslie and Thelma (Totten) Dunston. They later moved to Wonewoc where Donna became a member of the United Methodist Church. She attended Wonewoc Elementary and High School, graduating in 1951. Donna married Robert Smith, and two daughters were born to this marriage.

After years of being a stay-at-home mom, Donna worked for the DeForest School District as a paraprofessional and office secretary. Donna next worked for the WI Department of Justice and then managed an Attorney General's Office in the State Capital for a few years. In her last position she served as Manager of the State of WI Tourism Office in downtown Chicago.

In 1996, after 8 years in Chicago, Donna retired and moved back to WI, eager to be near her daughters and grandchildren. In 1999, she married Edward Krausman of Madison. They managed multiple condominium complexes and became very active in their church, Windsor United Church of Christ. Donna has been a member of the Church Council, Rachel Circle and leader of the Evangelism Ministry Team. She truly enjoyed her involvement at Windsor UCC, and it filled a large portion of her time and devotion. She also enjoyed actively participating in the DeForest Study Club and was involved at the Madison Elks Club.

Being near family was Donna's greatest pleasure as she always enjoyed her role as mother and grandmother. She also enjoyed time with friends, singing, dancing, writing poetry, traveling, reading, writing letters, playing word and card games and completing crossword puzzles. She was curious about historical/current events, her surroundings, always choosing to learn more information and was interested in meeting people, especially positive thinking persons.

Donna is survived by her husband, Ed, her two daughters, Jeanine Keller and Karen Smith; grandchildren, Brian (Liz) Keller and Ben Keller; great grandchildren, Joslyn and Elise; stepchildren Laura (Scott) Grall and Dan (Shawna) Krausman: step grandchildren, Karen and Eliza Simpson; Ariana, Adrian, Emma; and many special nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Sherman Dunston, and sisters, Beth Pagel and Judi (Bill) Dvorak.

A Celebration of Donna's life was held at Windsor United Church of Christ.

Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250