Donna J. Priebe

November 1, 1953 - March 11, 2018 Donna June Priebe (nee Spaulding) returned to her Heavenly Home on March 11, 2018 at the age of 64. Her devotion to her family and firm belief in God ultimately gave her peace as she is now welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. Donna is the beloved wife of Jon for 43 years; the loving mother of Christine A. Rindfleisch and husband Mark, Beth E. Senfleben and husband Jason, Sarah M. Konopka and husband Jason, the late Matthew Priebe, Jessica C. Herriges and husband Robert and the late Benjamin Priebe; the cherished grandmother of Ethan, Grace, Jonah, Riley and Logan Rindfleisch, Adria, Haley, Evan and Claire Senfleben, and Emmett and Jude Herriges. She is the dear sister of Charles E. Spaulding, the late Judith Losby, Linda Mastrogiovanni, the late Debra Smail, the late David Spaulding and Regina Desrocher. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, loved relatives and friends. Donna was born to the late Emory and Dot Spaulding in Montgomery, West Virginia on November 1, 1953. It was here where her deep love for music began to develop. As a young girl, she would sing the songs she heard on the radio, disregarding her southern accent to mimic each singer. Her family relocated to the Milwaukee area when Donna was 7 years old. She often spoke of missing the comfort and protection that the mountains provided. Donnas southern roots always remained a part of her, which was recognized by the accent that would reemerge during conversations, especially when she was overtired. Donna attended West Division High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and in the top ten of her graduating class. Her love for music continued to grow through her teen years. She was first chair violinist in her high school orchestra and used her amazing coloratura soprano voice in the Acapella Choir. She performed in the drama program including being cast as the lead in the musical Oklahoma. Jons love for Donna blossomed while he first saw her under the stage lights. After graduating high school, she auditioned for the Florentine Opera Company, but chose family over personal interests and career. However, she did not abandon her love for music. As an adult, she sang in the church choir as well as daily around the house. Her favorite songs to sing included those from The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserable. She married her best friend, Jon C. Priebe, on April 4, 1975. Together they began a large and love-filled family. Donna & Jon raised four daughters who grew to marry her cherished sons-in-law. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her heart was filled with love and pride for each of them and she made sure that they could feel it through every look, touch, and kind gesture. Donna had a passion for writing which was evident in the many beautiful songs, poems and short stories she created. She never published any of her work, as her perfectionist mind never felt they were quite finished. Some of her favorites things were gardening, yellow roses, anything purple, and interacting with members of a worldwide vestibular support group on the internet. She loved watching The Middle, Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, the Disney Channel, The Hunger Games, and the comedian Jim Gaffigan. Donna also spent quality time with Jon cheering on the Brewers and Packers or playing Rummikub and card games. Donna was very active as a school volunteer at St. Jacobi School for 25 years. She served as a kindergarten helper, hot lunch volunteer, special education assistant, teacher appreciation coordinator, field trip chaperone, and librarian. She spent a majority of her time revamping the schools library system. When she wasnt busy with the library, she spent time caring for animals. Whether they were in her home, her childrens home, or roaming on her patio, they all had a place in her heart. Donna battled with a vestibular disorder for most of her life, but still pushed through to give the best of herself to her family. Her persistence through adversity was undeniable while staying strong in her faith. Donna always knew the right thing to say to guide her daughters through each phase of their lives. She had so much love in her heart and gave it freely. Her laugh, wit, goofy sense of humor, creative mind and beautiful singing voice will be greatly missed. Her many talents, habits, traits and traditions will live on through her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful Christian example for her family, and now sings forever with the angels in heaven. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1 Donna cared about protecting the sanctity of all life, especially that of the unborn. Private family services. In lieu of flowers, donations to WELS Lutherans for Life are kindly appreciated.