Donna R. Salem, age 72, formerly of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Up until the end, she maintained her strong-willed approach to life. She was born July 21, 1950, in Sparta, Wisconsin to Ernest and Joy (Paddock) Wood. Donna was a 1968 graduate of Tomah High School and went on to receive her accounting degree from Western Technical College.

The outdoors were where Donna found much happiness-through flowers and gardening, and being on the farm, Donna spent much of her time outside in nature. She was incredibly gifted with her hands; always crafting, sewing, crocheting, or woodworking. Donna was always willing to step in and help with her daughter’s involvement in many nonprofit organizations.

She is survived by her daughters, Ann (Jeff) Schleicher and Sadeana Miller, both of Tomah; grandchildren, Michael (fiancée, Sammi Woodward) Kelley, James Kelley, Victoria (Chris) Schaffer, Layne (significant other, Kaianlin Pfeifer) Miller, and Peyton Miller; great grandchildren, Shyloh Schaffer and Amari Miller; and siblings, Bev Treu, Sandy Wood, Ruth (John) Carey and Richard (Pat) Wood. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Becky (Richard) Monskey; nieces, Abbey and Arin; and nephew, Kory Clemmerson.

A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Dennis Frost will officiate. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Thursday. The Torkelson Funeral Home and Cremation in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com