Donna LaVonne Kadrmas is remembered by all who loved her as a funny, loving, and endlessly interesting woman. She passed away on May 12, 2026, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, at the age of 93 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 20, 1932, in Belfield, North Dakota, and spent her life collecting memories, family, friendships.
Donna’s early years were shaped by the wide-open spaces of North Dakota. She lived in Cogswell, Stirum, and Milner. In seventh grade she stayed with her sister Florence in Dickinson and attended school there. By ninth grade Donna and her mother moved to Puyallup, Washington, where she stayed with her sister Dorothy. In tenth grade she returned to Dickinson and attended Versippi School while her mother taught school and lived with one of the families she taught. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Joe Kadrmas.
Donna graduated from Forman High School. She married Joe on June 10, 1950, in Lisbon, North Dakota, just after graduation. That marriage began a lifetime of adventure that took her across state lines. They lived in Dickinson, and their daughter Kandace was born in 1952.
The family later visited her brother Ken and Eleanor in Wisconsin, and then moved to Cushing, Wisconsin. Gregory was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, in 1953. The family moved back to Dickinson, where they farmed. Robyn was born in 1957, and Donna could drive a Jeep, pick up kids for school, and still laugh about getting stuck in the snow and walking with little Robyn to find a shovel and get unstuck. They later moved into town, and Jayson was born in 1961. Donna even walked a couple of blocks to the hospital to have Jay while Joe was working because apparently she had places to be and babies to deliver. In 1962 the family returned to Wisconsin. They bought the farm outside of St. Croix Falls, where Lisa was born, and Chad followed in 1970, completing the family.
Donna worked for 17 years at Schlintz Drug Store, later Olson Drug, in St. Croix Falls, where she loved greeting her customers. She later worked at the Antique Store in Taylors Falls. She loved dancing, traveling, playing cards, antiquing, refinishing furniture and watching her brother race horses. She had an eye for beauty, a fashionista sense of style, and a sense of humor. Donna’s faith was an important part of her life.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kandace (David) Nyberg of Hudson, Wisconsin; Gregory (Tammy Harrison) Kadrmas of St. Croix Falls; Robyn (Duane) Meixner of Orange, Texas; Jayson (Jodi) Kadrmas of Three Forks, Montana; Lisa Kadrmas of Stevenson, Washington; and Chad (Tara) Kadrmas of St. Croix Falls. She also leaves behind a large and cherished family of grandchildren, including Kourtney, Kelsey, Gregory, Jesse, Ryan, Brandon, Dylan, Tiana, Braidi, Javen, and Zander; and step-grandchildren, Justin, Jennifer, Adam, Lexi, Caleb, Tyler and Amanda, who also held a special place in her heart. Donna was blessed with many wonderful great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by her kindness and her unforgettable personality.
Donna’s long life was filled with hard work, family devotion, and plenty of laughter. Her family will remember her for her love, strength, and humor. A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice’s wonderful nurses.
Memorial service for two angels, Donna and her grandson Javen, to be held at First Lutheran Church, Cushing, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, visitation 10:30-11:30 a.m., service, lunch following. More sharing of memories after at the Cushing Community Center.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos for Donna at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444.
