Czerwonka, Donna Jean

Donna Jean Czerwonka, age 92, of Barneveld, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Crest Ridge Memory Care. She was born on December 17, 1932, in Ridgeway, the daughter of Leslie and Margaret (Ryan) Yapp.

Donna was raised on a farm north of Ridgeway. She attended grade school at Pikes Peak one room schoolhouse before moving on to graduate from Ridgeway High School in 1951. She worked for over 25 years as a beloved ‘Lunch Lady’ for the Barneveld School District where she made many batches of bread, cinnamon rolls, and pizza crust on a Hobart mixer.  

Donna was a member of the Rebekah Lodge and the Women’s Auxiliary of the United Church of Christ for many years. 

Donna will be remembered as a wonderful mother and grandmother. She spent a lot of time with her family and her grandchildren, and she helped take care of her two youngest grandchildren after her retirement.  

"When tomorrow starts without me, just remember every time you think of me, I’ll be right there in your heart."

Donna is survived by her children, Carla (Doug) Swenson of Windsor, and their children, Kyle and Caleb; JeanAnn (Ted) Swenson of Barneveld, and their children, Michael (Kate), Tyler (Joanna) and Ted (Bridget); Daniel (Laura) Czerwonka of Fitchburg, and their children, Daniel (Leah) and Brandon; Lindsey (Diane) Czerwonka of Mount Horeb, and their children, Connor (Abby) and Cade; Kim (Dave) Ruffalo of Barneveld, and their child, Michael (Grace); and Sateash (Jason) Kittleson of Barneveld, and their children, Jalen and Quinton; son-in-law, Tom “Ole” Olson and his children, Joe and Tabitha; four great-grandchildren, Madisyn, Daisy, Theodore and Olive; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Leslie; daughter, Donita Olson; grandchild, Kara Jean Czerwonka; sister, Wilma ”Tudi”; and brothers, Marvin, Dick, Leslie ”Din” and LaVere "Doo."

A memorial service will be held at BARNEVELD CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 104 Jones St., Barneveld, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

"I won’t be far away for life goes on, so if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near, all of my love around you soft and clear."

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho 

Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077