Donna Mae (Pongratz) Linzmaier was born April 28, 1941, in Marshfield to the late Andrew and Angeline (Augustine) Pongratz and died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 3, 2026.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

She was a student at Sacred Heart Grade School and then graduated in 1960, from Assumption Catholic High School.

Donna was married to Gordon, the love of her life, on April 28, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nekoosa by the Reverend Charles D Brady, as well as the groom’s cousins as assistants, Father George and Leonard Stashek. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on April 29, 2012, with a mass at Sacred Heart, followed by a polka dance. They also celebrated their 60th anniversary with a special mass at St. Wenceslaus and a family gathering.

She worked for two years at Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company and then 29 years at Weyerhauser (now Forte Opening Solutions), retiring on February 2, 2002. After retirement, Donna babysat for her grandchildren for 13 years.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her life. She loved spending as much time with them as she could. She also loved attending as many of her grandchildren’s games and school events as she could. She enjoyed playing bingo, watching Packer games, making goodies for her family (like her world’s best potato salad and pumpkin bars!), and listening and dancing to polka music.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon; children, Lori (Dan) Harris, Alan Linzmaier, Debbie Linzmaier, Brenda Krings, Michele (Jeff) Krommenakker, Jodi (Pat) Waltenberg, Melissa (Jim) Bays; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents; sisters, Darlene (Thomas) Grassl, Maxine Pongratz; brother, Victor Pongratz (both died in infancy); and son-in-law, Greg Krings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Donna’s honor, to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.