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Donna M. JohnstedDied: Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 Visitation: family will receive friends one hour prior to each service Celebration of Life: 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 at Evergreen Funeral Home (in Eau Claire on Golf Road one block east of Hwy 93) Interment: will be held at a later date
 Donna Mae Alice (Freid) Johnsted, age 76, of Eau Claire and Minong, WI, passed away on Tuesday November 8, 2011, at Sacred Heart Hospital with her daughters by her side. She shed a tear as she took her last breath. Donna fought cancer with all she had, but it wasn't enough to win the battle. Donna spent the last year living with her daughter, Michelle, in Eau Claire where a lifetime of new memories, bonding and understanding will help to ease the loss. The last few months were precious and irreplaceable for them both. Donna was born on February 23, 1935 to the late Ernest O. and Orma J. (Belden) Freid. Donna graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1953. She married her high school sweetheart, Duayne Johnsted on August 16, 1953. While in Eau Claire, Donna worked at Jensons Drug Store, The Fashion Store, Peter’s Meat, The Unemployment Office and UWEC in the registrar’s office where she once famously requested ID from Chancellor Haas to view student records. In 1974, she and Duayne moved to Indianapolis for Duayne’s job where Donna worked in the insurance business. In 1984, Duayne’s position took them to the Detroit, MI suburbs where Donna continued to work in the insurance field and also attended Macomb College where she made the dean’s list every semester. They retired in 1997 and moved to Minong, WI and enjoyed lake living among good friends old and new. Some of the happiest times in Donnas’ life were the 10 years spent living at the lake with Duayne and creating lasting memories with her daughters and grandson, Mike. Donna was active in Calvary Lutheran Church in Minong, WI, she loved to play bridge, Mahjong, cards and games of any type. Traveling and discovering new places was enjoyed with her husband, her sisters and family. She and Duayne enjoyed international trips and cruises with both friends and family. Donna was full of life and loved a good story, either telling them or hearing them and she often added any nearby prop to make the story come to life. She had a confident, strong laugh and will be remembered for helping others to laugh at life’s foibles. "Hurray, hurray, it’s the first of May…" Donna is survived by daughters, Cheryl (Larry) Andrews and Michelle D. Johnsted, both of Eau Claire; son, Steven; grandchildren, Michael (Cassie) Johnsted and their daughter (Donnas’ only great granddaughter), Harlee, of North Carolina, Andrew and Allison Johnsted of Minnesota; sisters, Delores Frase and Jean (Jim) Moss; brothers, Ernest Junior (Kathy) Freid, Dennis (Barb) Freid; sisters-in-law, Judy Woodford, Sharlene (Sam) Kurth and Glenda Borgen; brothers- in-law; Charles (Butchy) Johnson, Larry (Elaine) Johnson, James "Jimmy" (Kathy) Johnson, Ricky Johnson, and Bradley (April) Johnsted; many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful and supportive friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duayne, on October 22, 2006; in-laws, LaVerne and Norris Johnson, Douglas and Beverly Johnsted; sister, Nancy Klopp; sister-in-law, Beverly June; brothers-in-law, Elmer Woodford, Robert Johnsted, Homer Frase; and nephew, Edward Frase. Cheryl and Michelle thank the Marshfield Clinic Cancer center staff, Dr. Schifeling, Sharon, Tony, the chemo nursing team and EVERYONE who welcomed Donna and made her treatment easier to bear. A special thanks to those family and friends, especially Irene Barby, for the shuttle service this past year and a half. Bye now.. |