Donna Marie Szews, 92, of Birnamwood, died Monday, May 19, 2025, at her home.
Donna was born Dec. 23, 1932, in the Town of Norrie, the eldest daughter of Norman and Marie (Schumacher) Henderson. Donna was united in marriage to Eugene Szews on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 1953, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Eugene had just returned home from Korea three weeks earlier.
Donna graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1950. Right after graduation, she was employed by the former Employers Mutual Insurance Company of Wausau until her marriage.
Donna was known as the “Cake Lady” for many years. She operated a licensed bakery in her home for 23 years, retiring in 1993. She taught cake decorating classes for many years for NCTI in local area towns.
She was a member of St. Philomena’s Church since 1956, a member of the Altar Society and a 66-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also a charter member of the former Mayflower 59’ers Club.
While her daughters were growing up, she was a Girl Scout leader for Brownies for nine years, Juniors for five years and Cadets for one year.
Her hobbies included crafts, puzzles, traveling, playing cards and especially going on her computer. She enjoyed playing cards with her grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren were a special joy to her.
Donna is survived by her cherished family, which include her children, Diane (Dwight) Tolk of Athens, Debra Pierzchalski of Birnamwood, Sandra (Douglas) Sanders of Hebron, Kentucky, Sharon (Peter) Krull of Marshall, Michael Szews of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Lori (David) Lussier of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Lynn (Clint) Boettcher of Wausau and Amy (Michael) Milligan of Maulden, South Carolina; 24 grandchildren, Craig (Keri) Johnson, Lisa and Sara Johnson, Meghan (Chris) Dick, Kathy (Mike) Radtke, Brian (Melanie) Pierzchalski, Richard (April) Pierzchalski, Victoria (Mike Wolff) Pierzchalski, Andrew (Amanda) Pierzchalski, Kari (Dave) Mathews, Tyler Sanders, Rebecca (Shane) Krull, Jonathan (Beth) Krull, Jeremy (Lindsay) Krull, Nicholas (Taylor) Krull, Brandon (Kim) Szews, Natalie and Eugene Szews, Melissa Szews, Nathan (Victoria) Howe, Emily and Eric Lussier and Kaitlyn and Ryan Milligan; five step-grandchildren, Ryan and Nicole Tolk and Morgan, Dorsey and Rainan Falk; 31 great-grandchildren, Cortland, Graci and Gretchen Johnson, Kipp D’Abreo, Molly and Kacey Dick, Joseph and Elizabeth Radtke, Allison Pierzchalski, Alex and Emily Pierzchalski, Grayson, Gavin and Caleb Pierzchalski, Jaxon Wolff, Emerson, Thomas and August Mathews, Stella, Beckett, Keegan and Karson Krull, Kipton Krull, Sebastian and Constance Szews, Modesty, Dominic and Temperance Lirones, Vivienne Tilson and George and Barrett Howe; daughter-in-law, Carol Szews of Fruitland, Idaho; brother, Vilas Henderson of Oakton, Virginia; siblings-in-law, David Matsche of Birnamwood and Arlene Henderson of Wausau, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Eugene, on Dec. 12, 2005; her parents, Norman and Marie Henderson; her son, Allan; a son-in-law, David Pierzchalski; a grandson, Robert Pierzchalski; siblings, Karen Matsche, Rosalie Carlton and Orville Henderson; brothers- and sisters-in-law; a nephew in infancy, Matthew; and a niece, Susie Henderson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. Father Vicente Llagas will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Donna Szews
