Donna Thums
Donna Rae (Neuenfeldt) Thums went to Heaven on March 7, 2025. Donna was born at Victory Memorial Hospital in Stanley, on January 14, 1957, to the late Larry George and Arlene Doris (Graffunder) Neuenfeldt. Donna attended Dorchester Elementary School and graduated from Colby High School in 1975. Donna was the reigning Miss Dorchester 1974. After high school, she worked at Phillips Plastics Corporation Medford Division from 1975 to 2009. In 2010, Donna went back to school and received her certified nursing assistant degree from North Central Technical College. From 2010 to 2013, she worked at Golden Living Center-Continental Manor in Abbotsford where she loved working with the elderly. Donna was never one to sit still, so she also worked part-time at Jogeti Assembly and Decorating from 2011 to 2015.
Donna married Bruce Andrew Thums on November 4, 1977, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dorchester. To their union, two cherished children were born, Tina Marie and Nathan Andrew. Donna enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and friends. Donna loved watching her daughter raise her girls and cherished spending time with her granddaughters and all of the activities they were involved in. She loved watching her son race on warm summer nights, and she loved trying to keep up with her younger grandchildren. She enjoyed watching sports, especially football (Dallas and Green Bay) and the Milwaukee Brewers. She enjoyed collecting many things, but her favorites were books and reading. She loved attending church and Bible study weekly and volunteering at Bethesda Thrift Store in Wausau with her friends. She was a lifetime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, a past Sunday school teacher, Altar Guild and Public Relations member, and a present Parish Fellowship member.
Donna could strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone—it was not uncommon to run into someone she “knew” whenever she was out and about. She was a math whiz and a master of all dates and events, past and present. She was not afraid to tell you what she thought, but she was also an excellent listener without judgment. She was witty and funny and lived every day with a smile. Grandma was her most cherished title to many, and she loved her people—faith, family, friends—hard. Donna will be greatly missed by her loved ones, and they know she is watching over them from Heaven. Her favorite saying was to “Always remember: The battle's over and victory’s won, because God gave his only son.” Donna leaves behind her husband of 47 years, Bruce; her two children: Tina (Ryan) Liszewski of Stanley and Nathan (Jennifer) Thums of Wausau; her grandchildren: Alexa, Natalie and Kaitlyn Liszewski; and Harper and Graysen Thums; her siblings: Sue Bratton of Monticello, Ark., Galen Neuenfeldt of Medford, Linda (Shannon) Pempek of Colby and Todd (Beth) Neuenfeldt of Dorchester; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and her close friends: Jean Beisner, Marlene Eisner, Sara Fitense, Faye Henke, Elaine Mather and Marjean Zoellick.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Arlene (1995) and Larry (2025); brothers: Rodney (1993) and Randy (1955); sister, Gloria Thieme (2020); brother-in-law, Rickie Bratton Jr. (2008); and sister-in-law, Kimberly Neuenfeldt (2024).
A funeral service for Donna will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dorchester with Rev. Shawn Andersen presiding. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Friday, March 14, at the church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Rickie Bratton, Jr., Bradley Pempek, Clay Thieme, Patrick Neuenfeldt, Gene Graffunder and Trenton Jochimsen. Honorary pallbearers include Doug Oliver, Todd Bennett, Charlie Miller and Peter Schmidt.
Donna’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Family and friends are encouraged to visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share special memories or offer condolences.
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Paid obituary 165860
