Donna Kolell

On any normal Tuesday in the past, Donna Kolell would be found working alongside her loving husband at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where they have been faithful members for over 60 years. This past Tuesday, March 29, 2022, Donna was at home when Jesus called His faithful servant to be with Him forever.



After high school, Donna worked as a telephone operator and as a clerk in a department store in Madison. After staying home to raise her four children she found a job that suited her perfectly. Even now on her table in the living room there are Hallmark birthday, anniversary, and Easter cards waiting to be sent. She was a dedicated employee of Connie’s Hallmark Gold Crown store in Fond du Lac for almost 20 years, probably spending more than she earned purchasing loving gifts for her family and friends. To this day, every Thanksgiving, she gave a specially selected Christmas ornament to every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. After retiring with her husband, Norb, in 1999, she would fill her days reading, attending all the grandchildren’s events, writing cards, enjoying her game shows, and volunteering her services at church. Especially dear to all were her hand embroidered kitchen towels. She took great care and detail in every gift she gave.



Donna Mae Kolell was born on April 8, 1936, in Hartford, Wisconsin to Melvin and Marcella (Bergemann) Brinkmann. She was baptized on May 24, 1936, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Slinger and confirmed on April 10, 1949, at Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford. She married the love of her life of 65 years, Norbert Charles Kolell, on October 6, 1956, in Hartford. They raised their four children in the house built for them in 1965 on Creek Road just outside of Fond du Lac.



Survivors include her loving husband, Norbert; one brother, Ronald (Arlene) Brinkmann of Hartford; two sisters, Sharon (Edward) Haydin of Campbellsport and Mary Ann Tomlinson (Earl) of Hartford; daughter, Heidi (Jeffrey) Krumbein of Fond du Lac; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Mitch) Geissler of Manitowoc, Rachel (Mike) Zwicke of North Fond du Lac, Noah (Vicki) Krumbein of Fond du Lac, Naomi (Andrew) Ruh of Fond du Lac, Jared (Rachel) Krumbein of Omro, Hannah Chaplin of Fond du Lac, Abigail (Will) Huhndorf of Eden, Mara (Matt) Grdinic of Tucson, Arizona, and Lydia Krumbein of Fond du Lac; son, Mark (Terri) Kolell of Fond du Lac; grandchildren, Megan (Jason) Drew of Fond du Lac and Kelsey Kolell of Verona; son, Paul (Kathy) Kolell of Appleton; grandchildren, Brenda Kolell of Appleton, Deanna Kolell of Appleton, Mary Kolell of Milwaukee, and Caleb Kolell of Eau Claire; son, Matthew (Sara) Kolell of Neenah; grandchildren, Jonah Kolell of Neenah, Adia Kolell of Milwaukee, Judah and Titus at home in Neenah; great grandchildren, Chloe, Isabelle, Zachary, Elijah, Clara, Isaiah, Aspen, Isaac, Charlotte, Elias, Eloise, Liam, Samuel, Maeve, Athena, Kai, and Declan.



She is now reunited in heaven with her parents and infant son, John.



Donna cherished her time with family and friends. She was the in person “social media” keeping everyone informed and up to date. She lived her faith boldly and spent much time in prayer and reading and learning God’s Word. Though we will no longer receive our gold crown cards from Donna, she has now received her crown of life. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” Revelation 2:10.



Visitation and funeral will be held in Fond du Lac at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1600 South Main Street, on Monday, April 4, 2022 beginning at 9:00 am with the service beginning at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial gifts to support the ministry of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.



“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” Thessalonians 4:13-14 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16



Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com