Obit: McFarlane, Donna F. (1930 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: McFarlane, Duffy, Wells, Franz, Ashbeck, Potocnik, Jaramillo, Ball, Sanchez, Ruiz

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 23 Apr 2015

McFarlane, Donna F. (11 MAY 1930 – 16 APR 2015)

Donna F. McFarlane, 84, Willard, passed away at her home on Thursday, April 16, 2015. A memorial mass was held at 4 p.m., on Monday, April 20, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Willard. Rev. Steve Brice officiated. Interment will take place at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, at a later date.

Donna Faye Duffy was born on May 11, 1930, in Riceville, Iowa, to Charles and Dorothy (nee Wells) Duffy. She was raised and received her education in Riceville, graduating from Riceville High School in 1947. Donna married Donald A. McFarlane on Dec. 3, 1947. They farmed in Riceville for 10 years, and then in 1957 they purchased a dairy farm in Willard. Raising eight children, Donna went on from farming to Neillsville Memorial Hospital, where she worked for 20 years as an aide. She later worked at the Greenwood Elementary School until her retirement. She was a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and its CCW, and helped make relief quilts with the ladies at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greenwood. She had many interests, but especially loved playing sports and games with family, and was an avid quilter and crocheter whose work went out to many. Donna was blessed with many friends over the years and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by four daughters, Carol (William) Franz, Colby, Barbara (Rodger) Ashbeck, Greenwood, Kathy (Jeff) Potocnik, Trego, and Donna Jaramillo, Neillsville; three sons, Allen McFarlane, Neillsville, David (Pam) McFarlane, Greenwood, and Larry (Bev) McFarlane, Willard; a daughter-in-law, Deb McFarlane, Glen Flora; four sisters-in-law, Lorraine Duffy, Charles City, Iowa, Eileen Ball, Granby, Mo., Shirley Ball, Granby, Mo., and Bonnie McFarlane, LeRoy, Minn.; one brother-in-law, Fred Sanchez, California; 26 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one aunt, Juanita Duffy, Des Moines, Iowa; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don, on Nov. 30, 2000; one son, Patrick, on March 7, 2015; one granddaughter, Kristy Lynn Franz, on April 13, 2009; three brothers, LeRoy Duffy, Gary Duffy and Robert Duffy; and two sisters, Dorothy Belle Sanchez and Patricia Ruiz.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, assisted the family with arrangements.