Donna Waddell

February 19, 1947 - March 08, 2026

Obituary

Madison - Donna L. Waddell, age 79, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Waunakee Valley Senior Living in Waunakee, Wisconsin. She was born on February 19, 1947, in Columbus, Wisconsin, the daughter of Theodore John Waddell and Arlene Johanna (Herman) Waddell.

Donna graduated from Marshall High School in 1965 and attended UW Oshkosh. She worked in the medical research field for over 30 years, retiring from Covance in 2003. She was a talented crafter and created her own cards. She enjoyed good food, cooking and gardening, and had great taste in decorating. She loved animals and wildlife, especially birds and dogs. Above all, she cherished her family and took pride in her strong farm background. She enjoyed friends both here and in Arizona, along with a good game of golf.

Badger athletics were a very big part of her life. Donna and Ken attended and traveled to many games and events together, and she was very proud of the endowed football scholarship they sponsored.

Donna was a giving person, always offering kindness and help to others. She will be remembered as the life of the party who could light up any room with her infectious laugh and sense of humor.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Langenecker; brothers, Lan (Gail) Waddell, Tom (Karen) Waddell, and Jay Waddell; brothers-in-law, Gene and Jim Langenecker; sister-in-law, Pat (Russ) Kirkpatrick; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Ave., Waunakee, WI. Please wear something red to honor Donna’s love for the Badgers. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. For more information or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257

Events

Celebration of Life

Sun Aug 2, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT

Rex's Innkeeper • 301 N Century Ave, Waunakee, WI 53597

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Stephen Webster

Friend • 2 months ago

My wife and I set next to Donna at UW football games the last 25 years as my parents did before us.. You get to know a person over that many years. Donna was a person who had her life organized and well put together. I can't remember a game where she didn't come well prepared. This would include appropriate clothing, water bottle, the day's program and roster, and a snack, She was amazing. She also knew every detail about the football team no matter what question I asked. I'm confident that her life was organized in the same way she was for football games, well prepared and taking care of every detail. We will miss her. We know that she's resting in God's arms.

Bonnie Kindschi Daniels

Classmate • 2 months ago

Donna and I grew up together with our farms just a hop and skip away. We attended Maple Center Country School for several years until it's closing and then went to Marshal School District. During our grade school years, we took Tap Dance lessons with many of the neighborhood "Gang". We did all the fun things that farm children do. Shared in lots of birthday parties and sleep overs. Our lives took different turns as we grew older, however, every once in a while, I would hear something about Donna. I won't be able to attend the Memorial Service, which is sad to me. My sincerest sympathies to her husband, brothers and extended family. RIP dear friend..

Theresa Crary

Coworker • 3 months ago

Donna was a great lady and I will miss her very much . I had the honor to work with Donna for 20 plus years at Covance . I was actually thinking about her a few weeks ago when I picked out my Fawn Great Dane puppy . I will never forget how devastated she was at the loss of her Dane Buck ( and the way he died ) . Anyway she was a great person. Sorry I can’t make her celebration of life .

Jeanette Payne

Friend • 3 months ago

Donna, you will be and are missed. You were the first to agree to golf with the ladies and ready to go again on Thursday. The recipes, the suggestions for which club to use was always something to try and usually worked. I am missing you and certainly wish for peace and comfort to Ken and your family. Gary and I are looking forward to playing golf with Ken this fall. We love you.

JoAn Kelly

Friend • 3 months ago

Always the “life of the Party”. Our Arizona Golf Group is such a special part of our lives. We have all loved spending time with Donna….on the course, at a dinner, etc. She was always the first to offer to host an event, or bring her wonderful potato dish!!! You are missed, Donna….but never forgotten!!!!

Courtney Tisdell

Friend • 6 months ago

Sorry for your loss Mr. Waddell I got to know her when my son came to play for Wisconsin. She was so kind and would always check on my family even after Aj had left. I enjoyed our talks and her handmade cards. She will be truly missed,