Gladys Donegon

DONEGON,  GLADYS  R. Gladys Rose (Ritschard) Donegon passed away at her home Sunday, August 23rd, surrounded by loving family. Gladys was born on August 21st, 1930 in Hot Springs, SD to Albert and Claire Ritschard. She graduated from Plainview Academy in 1948. Gladys married Vance Robert Donegon on November 22nd, 1951. She resided in Hot Springs until she moved to Hustisford, WI with her husband and children in 1967. Gladys enjoyed sewing and crocheting, giving many of her handmade items as gifts. Her quillows were a specialty that have kept many toes warm for years. She also liked playing many different games with her children, grandchildren, and friends (dominoes, Yahtzee, and cards to name a few). Gladys was known for her knack of thrift shopping and rummaging. She also did a lot of delicious cooking, baking, and canning. Her favorite show to watch was Lawrence Welk. She loved the Packers, was an avid supporter of the Badgers, and always attended her children and grandchildren's activities. Traveling with family also brought a lot of joy into her life. Gladys's most important roles throughout her life were being a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She selflessly loved and gave her heart to everyone around her. Countless valuable skills and life lessons were learned from Gladys. One of the many that will never be forgotten is to always laugh. A few other things that were learned from Gladys are that a front porch swing is essential, eat ice cream with a baby spoon, always have a full candy dish (or two), never interrupt a Packer game, always use bendy straws, Sunday morning is meant for a big family breakfast, and say what you mean. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Vance, her sisters Alberta Dunsmore and Carleen Grattop, and her daughter-in-law Tricia Donegon. She is survived by her sister Lil Jensen, her six children; Cal Donegon, Gary Donegon, Rhonda (Dave) Schrab, Denise Donegon, Dana (Alice Langenecker) Donegon, and Lance (Renee) Donegon. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Family and friends are welcome at Grandma D's house on Wednesday, August 26th, from 5:00-7:00pm to celebrate the amazing person that Gladys was. Casual wear, Packer, Badger, or Hustisford sports attire is encouraged. Gladys recently enjoyed many flowers she received for her birthday, so the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hustisford Booster Club, as Gladys was an avid supporter of the Falcons. Thank you to all family and friends for their support and to Marquardt Hospice Care for their care and help. Private burial will be held in Hot Springs, South Dakota.   "Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for eternity" - Mother Teresa